{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/24.2-455.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/24.2-455.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/24.2-455.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/24.2-455.html"}],"law_id":81673,"edition_id":1,"section_id":81673,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-455","catch_line":"Role of Commissioner of Elections","history":"2012, c. 353; 2013, c. 542.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Commissioner of Elections is the state official responsible for implementing this chapter and Virginia&#8217;s responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. &#xA7; 20301 et seq.B\n\nThe Commissioner shall make available to covered voters information regarding voter registration procedures for covered voters and procedures for casting military-overseas ballots. The Commissioner may delegate the responsibility under this subsection only to the state office designated in compliance with &#xA7; 102(b)(1) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. &#xA7; 20302(b)(1).C\n\nThe Commissioner shall coordinate with local electoral boards to establish an appropriate system through which a covered voter may apply for and receive voter registration materials, military-overseas ballots, and other information under this chapter.D\n\nThe Commissioner shall:1\n\nDevelop standardized absentee-voting materials, including privacy and transmission envelopes, authentication materials, and voting instructions to be used with the military-overseas ballot of a voter authorized to vote in any jurisdiction in this state; and2\n\nTo the extent reasonably possible, coordinate with other states to carry out this subsection.E\n\nThe Commissioner shall prescribe the form and content of a declaration for use by a covered voter to swear or affirm specific representations pertaining to the voter&#8217;s identity, eligibility to vote, status as a covered voter, and timely and proper completion of an overseas-military ballot. The declaration must be based on the declaration prescribed to accompany a federal write-in absentee ballot, as modified to be consistent with this chapter. The Commissioner shall ensure that a form for the execution of the declaration, including an indication of the date of execution of the declaration, is a prominent part of all balloting materials for which the declaration is required.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":292558,"text":"The Commissioner of Elections is the state official responsible for implementing this chapter and Virginia&#8217;s responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. &#xA7; 20301 et seq.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":292559,"text":"The Commissioner shall make available to covered voters information regarding voter registration procedures for covered voters and procedures for casting military-overseas ballots. The Commissioner may delegate the responsibility under this subsection only to the state office designated in compliance with &#xA7; 102(b)(1) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. &#xA7; 20302(b)(1).","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":292560,"text":"The Commissioner shall coordinate with local electoral boards to establish an appropriate system through which a covered voter may apply for and receive voter registration materials, military-overseas ballots, and other information under this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":292561,"text":"The Commissioner shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D1"},"4":{"id":292562,"text":"Develop standardized absentee-voting materials, including privacy and transmission envelopes, authentication materials, and voting instructions to be used with the military-overseas ballot of a voter authorized to vote in any jurisdiction in this state; and","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"5":{"id":292563,"text":"To the extent reasonably possible, coordinate with other states to carry out this subsection.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"E"},"6":{"id":292564,"text":"The Commissioner shall prescribe the form and content of a declaration for use by a covered voter to swear or affirm specific representations pertaining to the voter&#8217;s identity, eligibility to vote, status as a covered voter, and timely and proper completion of an overseas-military ballot. The declaration must be based on the declaration prescribed to accompany a federal write-in absentee ballot, as modified to be consistent with this chapter. The Commissioner shall ensure that a form for the execution of the declaration, including an indication of the date of execution of the declaration, is a prominent part of all balloting materials for which the declaration is required.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D2"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12938,"edition_id":1,"name":"Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act","identifier":"4.1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12937,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":188105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12938,"identifier":"4.1","token":"24.2\/4.1","url":"\/24.2\/4.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12937,"edition_id":1,"name":"Elections","identifier":"24.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":187149,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12937,"identifier":"24.2","token":"24.2","url":"\/24.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":80607,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-451","catch_line":"Short title","url":"\/24.2-451\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-451","metadata":false},{"id":56695,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-452","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/24.2-452\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-452","metadata":false},{"id":81040,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-453","catch_line":"Restriction of ballot eligibility","url":"\/24.2-453\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-453","metadata":false},{"id":60434,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-454","catch_line":"Elections covered","url":"\/24.2-454\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-454","metadata":false},{"id":81673,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-455","catch_line":"Role of Commissioner of Elections","url":"\/24.2-455\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-455","metadata":false},{"id":56611,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-456","catch_line":"Overseas voter's registration address","url":"\/24.2-456\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-456","metadata":false},{"id":68227,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-457","catch_line":"Methods of registering to vote","url":"\/24.2-457\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-457","metadata":false},{"id":78431,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-458","catch_line":"Methods of applying for military-overseas ballot","url":"\/24.2-458\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-458","metadata":false},{"id":80839,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-459","catch_line":"Timeliness and scope of application for military-overseas ballot","url":"\/24.2-459\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-459","metadata":false},{"id":71326,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-460","catch_line":"Transmission of unvoted ballots","url":"\/24.2-460\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-460","metadata":false},{"id":56227,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-461","catch_line":"Federal write-in absentee ballot","url":"\/24.2-461\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-461","metadata":false},{"id":59764,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-462","catch_line":"Receipt of voted ballot","url":"\/24.2-462\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-462","metadata":false},{"id":76827,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-463","catch_line":"Declaration","url":"\/24.2-463\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-463","metadata":false},{"id":62258,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-464","catch_line":"Confirmation of receipt of application and voted ballot","url":"\/24.2-464\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-464","metadata":false},{"id":83407,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-465","catch_line":"Publication of election notice","url":"\/24.2-465\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-465","metadata":false},{"id":73923,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-466","catch_line":"Sending and updating notices","url":"\/24.2-466\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-466","metadata":false},{"id":67023,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-467","catch_line":"Prohibition of nonsubstantive requirements","url":"\/24.2-467\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-467","metadata":false},{"id":79773,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-468","catch_line":"Equitable relief","url":"\/24.2-468\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-468","metadata":false},{"id":54041,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-469","catch_line":"Uniformity of application and constructions","url":"\/24.2-469\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-469","metadata":false},{"id":60833,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-470","catch_line":"Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act","url":"\/24.2-470\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-470","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":60434,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-454","catch_line":"Elections covered","url":"\/24.2-454\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-454","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":56611,"structure_id":12938,"section_number":"24.2-456","catch_line":"Overseas voter's registration address","url":"\/24.2-456\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-456","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/24.2-455\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 2012. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?121+ful+CHAP0353\">353<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 2013, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?131+ful+CHAP0542\">542<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":68227,"section_number":"24.2-457","catch_line":"Methods of registering to vote","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-457\/"},{"id":78431,"section_number":"24.2-458","catch_line":"Methods of applying for military-overseas ballot","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-458\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":188123,"object_type":"law","relational_id":81673,"identifier":"24.2-455","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-455","url":"\/24.2-455\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/24.2-455\/","token":"24.2\/4.1\/24.2-455","dublin_core":{"Title":"Role of Commissioner of Elections","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 24.2-455","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> The Commissioner of <span class=\"dictionary\">Elections<\/span> is the <span class=\"dictionary\">state<\/span> official responsible for implementing this chapter and Virginia&#8217;s responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. &#xA7; 20301 et seq. <a id=\"paragraph-292558\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/24.2-455\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> The Commissioner shall make available to covered voters information regarding voter registration procedures for covered voters and procedures for casting military-overseas ballots. The Commissioner may delegate the responsibility under this subsection only to the <span class=\"dictionary\">state<\/span> office designated in compliance with &#xA7; 102(b)(1) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. &#xA7; 20302(b)(1). <a id=\"paragraph-292559\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/24.2-455\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> The Commissioner shall coordinate with <span class=\"dictionary\">local electoral boards<\/span> to establish an appropriate system through which a covered voter may apply for and receive voter registration <span class=\"dictionary\">materials<\/span>, military-overseas ballots, and other information under this chapter. <a id=\"paragraph-292560\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/24.2-455\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> The Commissioner shall: <a id=\"paragraph-292561\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/24.2-455\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D1\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Develop standardized absentee-voting <span class=\"dictionary\">materials<\/span>, including privacy and transmission envelopes, authentication <span class=\"dictionary\">materials<\/span>, and voting instructions to be used with the military-overseas ballot of a voter authorized to vote in any <span class=\"dictionary\">jurisdiction<\/span> in this <span class=\"dictionary\">state<\/span>; and <a id=\"paragraph-292562\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/24.2-455\/#D1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D2\" class=\"indent-1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> To the extent reasonably possible, coordinate with other <span class=\"dictionary\">states<\/span> to carry out this subsection. <a id=\"paragraph-292563\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/24.2-455\/#D2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"E\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">E.<\/span> The Commissioner shall prescribe the form and content of a declaration for use by a covered voter to swear or <span class=\"dictionary\">affirm<\/span> specific representations pertaining to the voter&#8217;s identity, eligibility to vote, status as a covered voter, and timely and proper completion of an overseas-military ballot. The declaration must be based on the declaration prescribed to accompany a <span class=\"dictionary\">federal write-in absentee ballot<\/span>, as modified to be consistent with this chapter. The Commissioner shall ensure that a form for the execution of the declaration, including an indication of the date of execution of the declaration, is a prominent part of all balloting <span class=\"dictionary\">materials<\/span> for which the declaration is required. <a id=\"paragraph-292564\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/24.2-455\/#E\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nROLE OF COMMISSIONER OF ELECTIONS (\u00a7 24.2-455)\n\nA. The Commissioner of Elections is the state official responsible for\nimplementing this chapter and Virginia&#8217;s responsibilities under the\nUniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. &#xA7; 20301 et\nseq.\n\nB. The Commissioner shall make available to covered voters information regarding\nvoter registration procedures for covered voters and procedures for casting\nmilitary-overseas ballots. The Commissioner may delegate the responsibility\nunder this subsection only to the state office designated in compliance with\n&#xA7; 102(b)(1) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52\nU.S.C. &#xA7; 20302(b)(1).\n\nC. The Commissioner shall coordinate with local electoral boards to establish an\nappropriate system through which a covered voter may apply for and receive voter\nregistration materials, military-overseas ballots, and other information under\nthis chapter.\n\nD. The Commissioner shall:\n\n   1. Develop standardized absentee-voting materials, including privacy and\n   transmission envelopes, authentication materials, and voting instructions to\n   be used with the military-overseas ballot of a voter authorized to vote in any\n   jurisdiction in this state; and\n\n   2. To the extent reasonably possible, coordinate with other states to carry\n   out this subsection.\n\nE. The Commissioner shall prescribe the form and content of a declaration for\nuse by a covered voter to swear or affirm specific representations pertaining to\nthe voter&#8217;s identity, eligibility to vote, status as a covered voter, and\ntimely and proper completion of an overseas-military ballot. The declaration\nmust be based on the declaration prescribed to accompany a federal write-in\nabsentee ballot, as modified to be consistent with this chapter. The\nCommissioner shall ensure that a form for the execution of the declaration,\nincluding an indication of the date of execution of the declaration, is a\nprominent part of all balloting materials for which the declaration is required.\n\nHISTORY: 2012, c. 353; 2013, c. 542.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}