{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/24.2-604.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/24.2-604.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/24.2-604.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/24.2-604.html"}],"law_id":56096,"edition_id":1,"section_id":56096,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-604","catch_line":"Polling places; prohibited activities; prohibited area; penalties","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 24-186, 24-188; 1970, c. 462, \u00a7 24.1-101; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 119; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1984, c. 480; 1993, cc. 413, 641; 1997, c. 328; 2000, cc. 215, 268; 2003, c. 1015; 2007, c. 672; 2009, cc. 396, 494, 865, 870, 874; 2010, cc. 448, 707; 2012, cc. 754, 826; 2015, cc. 133, 575; 2016, cc. 15, 18, 491, 492; 2018, c. 700; 2020, c. 561; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 459; 2025, c. 584.","full_text":"A\n\nDuring the times the polls are open and ballots are being counted, or within one hour of opening or after closing, it is unlawful for any person (i) to loiter or congregate within 40 feet of any entrance of any polling place; (ii) within such distance to give, tender, or exhibit any ballot, ticket, or other campaign or referendum material to any person or to solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any person in casting his vote; (iii) to hinder or delay a qualified voter in entering or leaving a polling place; or (iv) to knowingly possess any firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 within 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place.B\n\nPrior to opening the polls, the officers of election shall post, in the area within 40 feet of any entrance to the polling place, sufficient notices that state “Prohibited Area” in two-inch type. The notices shall also state the provisions of this section in not less than 24-point type. The officers of election shall post the notices within the prohibited area to be visible to voters and the public.C\n\nIt is unlawful for any authorized representative permitted in the polling place pursuant to § 24.2-604.4, any voter, or any other person in the room to (i) hinder or delay a qualified voter; (ii) give, tender, or exhibit any ballot, ticket, or other campaign or referendum material to any person; (iii) solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any person in casting his vote; (iv) hinder or delay any officer of election; (v) be in a position to see the marked ballot of any other voter; or (vi) otherwise impede the orderly conduct of the election.D\n\nThe provisions of subsections A and C shall not be construed to prohibit a person who approaches or enters the polling place for the purpose of voting from wearing a shirt, hat, or other apparel on which a candidate’s name or a political slogan appears or from having a sticker or button attached to his apparel on which a candidate’s name or a political slogan appears. This exemption shall not apply to candidates, representatives of candidates, or any other person who approaches or enters the polling place for any purpose other than voting.E\n\nThis section shall not be construed to prohibit a candidate from entering any polling place on the day of the election to vote, or to visit a polling place for no longer than 10 minutes per polling place per election day, provided that he complies with the restrictions stated in subsections A, C, and D.F\n\nThe provisions of clause (iv) of subsection A shall not apply to (i) any law-enforcement officer or any retired law-enforcement officer qualified pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.016; (ii) any person occupying his own private property that falls within 40 feet of a polling place; or (iii) an armed security officer, licensed pursuant to Article 4 (§ 9.1-138 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, whose employment or performance of his duties occurs within 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place.G\n\nThe officers of election may require any person who is found by a majority of the officers present to be in violation of this section to remain outside of the prohibited area. Any person violating subsection A or C is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":205594,"text":"During the times the polls are open and ballots are being counted, or within one hour of opening or after closing, it is unlawful for any person (i) to loiter or congregate within 40 feet of any entrance of any polling place; (ii) within such distance to give, tender, or exhibit any ballot, ticket, or other campaign or referendum material to any person or to solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any person in casting his vote; (iii) to hinder or delay a qualified voter in entering or leaving a polling place; or (iv) to knowingly possess any firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 within 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":205595,"text":"Prior to opening the polls, the officers of election shall post, in the area within 40 feet of any entrance to the polling place, sufficient notices that state “Prohibited Area” in two-inch type. The notices shall also state the provisions of this section in not less than 24-point type. The officers of election shall post the notices within the prohibited area to be visible to voters and the public.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":205596,"text":"It is unlawful for any authorized representative permitted in the polling place pursuant to § 24.2-604.4, any voter, or any other person in the room to (i) hinder or delay a qualified voter; (ii) give, tender, or exhibit any ballot, ticket, or other campaign or referendum material to any person; (iii) solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any person in casting his vote; (iv) hinder or delay any officer of election; (v) be in a position to see the marked ballot of any other voter; or (vi) otherwise impede the orderly conduct of the election.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":205597,"text":"The provisions of subsections A and C shall not be construed to prohibit a person who approaches or enters the polling place for the purpose of voting from wearing a shirt, hat, or other apparel on which a candidate’s name or a political slogan appears or from having a sticker or button attached to his apparel on which a candidate’s name or a political slogan appears. This exemption shall not apply to candidates, representatives of candidates, or any other person who approaches or enters the polling place for any purpose other than voting.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":205598,"text":"This section shall not be construed to prohibit a candidate from entering any polling place on the day of the election to vote, or to visit a polling place for no longer than 10 minutes per polling place per election day, provided that he complies with the restrictions stated in subsections A, C, and D.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":205599,"text":"The provisions of clause (iv) of subsection A shall not apply to (i) any law-enforcement officer or any retired law-enforcement officer qualified pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.016; (ii) any person occupying his own private property that falls within 40 feet of a polling place; or (iii) an armed security officer, licensed pursuant to Article 4 (§ 9.1-138 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, whose employment or performance of his duties occurs within 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":205600,"text":"The officers of election may require any person who is found by a majority of the officers present to be in violation of this section to remain outside of the prohibited area. Any person violating subsection A or C is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13428,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions; Polling Places","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13022,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:52","permalink":{"id":188397,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13428,"identifier":"1","token":"24.2\/6\/1","url":"\/24.2\/6\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13022,"edition_id":1,"name":"The Election","identifier":"6","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12937,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:09","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:09","permalink":{"id":188395,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13022,"identifier":"6","token":"24.2\/6","url":"\/24.2\/6\/","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":80383,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-600","catch_line":"Cost of elections","url":"\/24.2-600\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-600","metadata":false},{"id":87129,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-601","catch_line":"Town election process","url":"\/24.2-601\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-601","metadata":false},{"id":55607,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-602","catch_line":"Exemption for ballots and election materials from certain purchasing and procurement requirements","url":"\/24.2-602\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-602","metadata":false},{"id":54395,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-603","catch_line":"Hours polls to be open; closing the polls","url":"\/24.2-603\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-603","metadata":false},{"id":79039,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-603.1","catch_line":"Postponement of certain elections; state of emergency","url":"\/24.2-603.1\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-603.1","metadata":false},{"id":56096,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-604","catch_line":"Polling places; prohibited activities; prohibited area; penalties","url":"\/24.2-604\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-604","metadata":false},{"id":61571,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-604.1","catch_line":"Signs for special entrances to polling places","url":"\/24.2-604.1\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-604.1","metadata":false},{"id":59264,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-604.2","catch_line":"Polling places; prohibited area; emergency situations","url":"\/24.2-604.2\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-604.2","metadata":false},{"id":76766,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-604.3","catch_line":"Election day page program; high school students","url":"\/24.2-604.3\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-604.3","metadata":false},{"id":68941,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-604.4","catch_line":"Polling places; authorized representatives of party or candidate; prohibited activities","url":"\/24.2-604.4\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-604.4","metadata":false},{"id":74440,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-604.5","catch_line":"Polling places; presence of additional persons authorized","url":"\/24.2-604.5\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-604.5","metadata":false},{"id":66898,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-604.6","catch_line":"Polling places; simulated election activities","url":"\/24.2-604.6\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-604.6","metadata":false},{"id":67277,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-605","catch_line":"Loudspeakers prohibited at polls; penalty","url":"\/24.2-605\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-605","metadata":false},{"id":76559,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-606","catch_line":"Preservation of order at elections","url":"\/24.2-606\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-606","metadata":false},{"id":62119,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-607","catch_line":"Prohibited conduct; intimidation of voters; disturbance of election; how prevented; penalties","url":"\/24.2-607\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-607","metadata":false},{"id":79480,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-608","catch_line":"Officers to decide order of voting","url":"\/24.2-608\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-608","metadata":false},{"id":57464,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-609","catch_line":"Voting booths","url":"\/24.2-609\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-609","metadata":false},{"id":84879,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-610","catch_line":"Materials at polling places","url":"\/24.2-610\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-610","metadata":false},{"id":74260,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-611","catch_line":"Form and signing of pollbooks; records of persons voting; electronic pollbooks","url":"\/24.2-611\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-611","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":79039,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-603.1","catch_line":"Postponement of certain elections; state of emergency","url":"\/24.2-603.1\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-603.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":61571,"structure_id":13428,"section_number":"24.2-604.1","catch_line":"Signs for special entrances to polling places","url":"\/24.2-604.1\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-604.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/24.2-604\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 18 times. 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. Those modifications are as follows: in 1970, chapter 462; in 1973, chapter 30; in 1974, chapter 428; in 1975, chapter 515; in 1984, chapter 480; in 1993, chapters 413 and 641; in 1997, chapter 328<\/a>; in 2000, chapters 215<\/a> and 268<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 1015<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 672<\/a>; in 2009, chapters 396<\/a>, 494<\/a>, 865<\/a>, 870<\/a>, and 874<\/a>; in 2010, chapters 448<\/a> and 707<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 754<\/a> and 826<\/a>; in 2015, chapters 133<\/a> and 575<\/a>; in 2016, chapters 15<\/a>, 18<\/a>, 491<\/a>, and 492<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 700<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 561<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 584<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":64844,"section_number":"24.2-1006","catch_line":"Advice or assistance in casting ballot","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-1006\/"},{"id":66699,"section_number":"24.2-310","catch_line":"Requirements for polling places","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-310\/"},{"id":68941,"section_number":"24.2-604.4","catch_line":"Polling places; authorized representatives of party or candidate; prohibited activities","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-604.4\/"},{"id":74440,"section_number":"24.2-604.5","catch_line":"Polling places; presence of additional persons authorized","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-604.5\/"},{"id":74211,"section_number":"24.2-622","catch_line":"Unofficial sample ballots","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-622\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":77788,"section_number":"18.2-308.016","catch_line":"Retired law-enforcement officers; carrying a concealed handgun","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.016\/"},{"id":80010,"section_number":"18.2-308.2:2","catch_line":"Criminal history record information check required for the transfer of certain firearms","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.2_2\/"},{"id":68941,"section_number":"24.2-604.4","catch_line":"Polling places; authorized representatives of party or candidate; prohibited activities","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-604.4\/"},{"id":69682,"section_number":"9.1-138","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-138\/"}],"permalink":{"id":188419,"object_type":"law","relational_id":56096,"identifier":"24.2-604","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-604","url":"\/24.2-604\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/24.2-604\/","token":"24.2\/6\/1\/24.2-604","dublin_core":{"Title":"Polling places; prohibited activities; prohibited area; penalties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 24.2-604","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> During the times the polls are open and ballots are being counted, or within one hour of opening or after closing, it is unlawful for any person (i) to loiter or congregate within 40 feet of any entrance of any polling place<\/span>; (ii) within such distance to give, tender, or exhibit any ballot, ticket, or other campaign or referendum<\/span> material<\/span> to any person or to solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any person in casting his vote; (iii) to hinder or delay a qualified voter<\/span> in entering or leaving a polling place<\/span>; or (iv) to knowingly possess any firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2<\/a> within 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Prior to opening the polls, the officers of election<\/span> shall post, in the area within 40 feet of any entrance to the polling place<\/span>, sufficient notices that state “Prohibited Area” in two-inch type. The notices shall also state the provisions of this section in not less than 24-point type. The officers of election<\/span> shall post the notices within the prohibited area to be visible to voters and the public. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> It is unlawful for any authorized representative permitted in the polling place<\/span> pursuant to § 24.2-604.4<\/a>, any voter, or any other person in the room to (i) hinder or delay a qualified voter<\/span>; (ii) give, tender, or exhibit any ballot, ticket, or other campaign or referendum<\/span> material<\/span> to any person; (iii) solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any person in casting his vote; (iv) hinder or delay any officer of election<\/span>; (v) be in a position to see the marked ballot of any other voter; or (vi) otherwise impede the orderly conduct of the election. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The provisions of subsections A and C shall not be construed to prohibit a person who approaches or enters the polling place<\/span> for the purpose of voting from wearing a shirt, hat, or other apparel on which a candidate<\/span>’s name or a political slogan appears or from having a sticker or button attached to his apparel on which a candidate<\/span>’s name or a political slogan appears. This exemption shall not apply to candidates<\/span>, representatives of candidates<\/span>, or any other person who approaches or enters the polling place<\/span> for any purpose other than voting. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> This section shall not be construed to prohibit a candidate<\/span> from entering any polling place<\/span> on the day of the election to vote, or to visit a polling place<\/span> for no longer than 10 minutes per polling place<\/span> per election day, provided that he complies with the restrictions stated in subsections A, C, and D. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The provisions of clause (iv) of subsection A shall not apply to (i) any law<\/span>-enforcement officer or any retired law<\/span>-enforcement officer qualified pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.016<\/a>; (ii) any person occupying his own private property that falls within 40 feet of a polling place<\/span>; or (iii) an armed security officer, licensed pursuant to Article 4 (§ 9.1-138<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, whose employment or performance of his duties occurs within 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> The officers of election may require any person who is found by a majority of the officers present to be in violation of this section to remain outside of the prohibited area. Any person violating subsection A or C is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPOLLING PLACES; PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES; PROHIBITED AREA; PENALTIES (\u00a7 24.2-604)\n\nA. During the times the polls are open and ballots are being counted, or within\none hour of opening or after closing, it is unlawful for any person (i) to\nloiter or congregate within 40 feet of any entrance of any polling place; (ii)\nwithin such distance to give, tender, or exhibit any ballot, ticket, or other\ncampaign or referendum material to any person or to solicit or in any manner\nattempt to influence any person in casting his vote; (iii) to hinder or delay a\nqualified voter in entering or leaving a polling place; or (iv) to knowingly\npossess any firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 within 40 feet of any\nbuilding, or part thereof, used as a polling place.\n\nB. Prior to opening the polls, the officers of election shall post, in the area\nwithin 40 feet of any entrance to the polling place, sufficient notices that\nstate “Prohibited Area” in two-inch type. The notices shall also\nstate the provisions of this section in not less than 24-point type. The\nofficers of election shall post the notices within the prohibited area to be\nvisible to voters and the public.\n\nC. It is unlawful for any authorized representative permitted in the polling\nplace pursuant to § 24.2-604.4, any voter, or any other person in the room\nto (i) hinder or delay a qualified voter; (ii) give, tender, or exhibit any\nballot, ticket, or other campaign or referendum material to any person; (iii)\nsolicit or in any manner attempt to influence any person in casting his vote;\n(iv) hinder or delay any officer of election; (v) be in a position to see the\nmarked ballot of any other voter; or (vi) otherwise impede the orderly conduct\nof the election.\n\nD. The provisions of subsections A and C shall not be construed to prohibit a\nperson who approaches or enters the polling place for the purpose of voting from\nwearing a shirt, hat, or other apparel on which a candidate’s name or a\npolitical slogan appears or from having a sticker or button attached to his\napparel on which a candidate’s name or a political slogan appears. This\nexemption shall not apply to candidates, representatives of candidates, or any\nother person who approaches or enters the polling place for any purpose other\nthan voting.\n\nE. This section shall not be construed to prohibit a candidate from entering any\npolling place on the day of the election to vote, or to visit a polling place\nfor no longer than 10 minutes per polling place per election day, provided that\nhe complies with the restrictions stated in subsections A, C, and D.\n\nF. The provisions of clause (iv) of subsection A shall not apply to (i) any\nlaw-enforcement officer or any retired law-enforcement officer qualified\npursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.016; (ii) any person occupying his\nown private property that falls within 40 feet of a polling place; or (iii) an\narmed security officer, licensed pursuant to Article 4 (§ 9.1-138 et seq.)\nof Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, whose employment or performance of his duties occurs\nwithin 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place.\n\nG. The officers of election may require any person who is found by a majority of\nthe officers present to be in violation of this section to remain outside of the\nprohibited area. Any person violating subsection A or C is guilty of a Class 1\nmisdemeanor.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 24-186, 24-188; 1970, c. 462, \u00a7 24.1-101; 1971, Ex.\nSess., c. 119; 1973, c. 30; 1974, c. 428; 1975, c. 515; 1984, c. 480; 1993, cc.\n413, 641; 1997, c. 328; 2000, cc. 215, 268; 2003, c. 1015; 2007, c. 672; 2009,\ncc. 396, 494, 865, 870, 874; 2010, cc. 448, 707; 2012, cc. 754, 826; 2015, cc.\n133, 575; 2016, cc. 15, 18, 491, 492; 2018, c. 700; 2020, c. 561; 2021, Sp.\nSess. I, c. 459; 2025, c. 584.","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}}