{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/24.2-612.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/24.2-612.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/24.2-612.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/24.2-612.html"}],"law_id":57868,"edition_id":1,"section_id":57868,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-612","catch_line":"List of offices and candidates filed with Department of Elections and checked for accuracy; when ballots printed; number required","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 24-213, 24-214; 1952, c. 4; 1954, c. 513; 1956, c. 395; 1970, c. 462, \u00a7 24.1-109; 1972, c. 620; 1980, c. 639; 1981, c. 425; 1984, c. 480; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015; 2009, c. 522; 2010, cc. 449, 645; 2011, cc. 427, 458; 2012, c. 353; 2013, c. 684; 2014, cc. 540, 576; 2015, c. 313; 2016, cc. 18, 492; 2017, cc. 167, 356; 2019, cc. 668, 669; 2020, cc. 1149, 1151, 1201.","full_text":"Immediately after the expiration of the time provided by law for a candidate for any office to qualify to have his name printed on the official ballot and prior to printing the ballots for an election, each general registrar shall forward to the Department of Elections a list of the county, city, or town offices to be filled at the election and the names of all candidates who have filed for each office. In addition, each general registrar shall forward the name of any candidate who failed to qualify with the reason for his disqualification. On that same day, the general registrar shall also provide a copy of the notice to each disqualified candidate. The notice shall be sent by email or regular mail to the address on the candidate’s certificate of candidate qualification, and such notice shall be deemed sufficient. The Department of Elections shall promptly advise the general registrar of the accuracy of the list. The failure of any general registrar to send the list to the Department of Elections for verification shall not invalidate any election.\n\t\tEach general registrar shall have printed the number of ballots he determines will be sufficient to conduct the election. Such determination shall be based on the number of active registered voters and historical election data, including voter turnout, and shall be subject to the approval by the electoral board.\n\t\tNotwithstanding any other provisions of this title, the Department of Elections may print or otherwise provide one statewide paper ballot style for each paper ballot style in use for presidential and vice-presidential electors for use only by persons eligible to vote for those offices only under \u00a7 24.2-402 or only for federal elections under \u00a7 24.2-453. The Department of Elections may apportion or authorize the printer or vendor to apportion the costs for these ballots among the localities based on the number of ballots ordered. Any printer employed by the Department of Elections shall execute the statement required by \u00a7 24.2-616. The Department of Elections shall designate a representative to be present at the printing of such ballots and deliver them to the appropriate general registrars pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-617. Upon receipt of such paper ballots, the electoral board or the general registrar shall affix the seal of the electoral board. Thereafter, such ballots shall be handled and accounted for, and the votes counted as the Department of Elections shall specifically direct.\n\t\tThe general registrar shall make printed ballots available for absentee voting not later than 45 days prior to any election or within three business days of the receipt of a properly completed absentee ballot application, whichever is later. In the case of a special election, excluding for federal offices, if time is insufficient to meet the applicable deadline established herein, then the general registrar shall make printed ballots available as soon after the deadline as possible. For the purposes of this chapter, making printed ballots available includes mailing of such ballots or electronic transmission of such ballots pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-706 to a covered voter, as defined in \u00a7 24.2-452, who has applied for an absentee ballot pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-701. Not later than five days after absentee ballots are made available, each general registrar shall report to the Department of Elections, in writing on a form approved by the Department of Elections, whether he has complied with the applicable deadline.\n\t\tOnly the names of candidates for offices to be voted on in a particular election district shall be printed on the ballots for that election district.\n\t\tThe general registrar shall send to the Department of Elections a statement of the number of ballots ordered to be printed, proofs of each printed ballot for verification, and copies of each final ballot. If the Department of Elections finds that, in its opinion, the number of ballots ordered to be printed by any general registrar is not sufficient, it may direct the general registrar to order the printing of a reasonable number of additional ballots.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":212001,"text":"Immediately after the expiration of the time provided by law for a candidate for any office to qualify to have his name printed on the official ballot and prior to printing the ballots for an election, each general registrar shall forward to the Department of Elections a list of the county, city, or town offices to be filled at the election and the names of all candidates who have filed for each office. In addition, each general registrar shall forward the name of any candidate who failed to qualify with the reason for his disqualification. On that same day, the general registrar shall also provide a copy of the notice to each disqualified candidate. The notice shall be sent by email or regular mail to the address on the candidate’s certificate of candidate qualification, and such notice shall be deemed sufficient. The Department of Elections shall promptly advise the general registrar of the accuracy of the list. The failure of any general registrar to send the list to the Department of Elections for verification shall not invalidate any election.\n\t\tEach general registrar shall have printed the number of ballots he determines will be sufficient to conduct the election. Such determination shall be based on the number of active registered voters and historical election data, including voter turnout, and shall be subject to the approval by the electoral board.\n\t\tNotwithstanding any other provisions of this title, the Department of Elections may print or otherwise provide one statewide paper ballot style for each paper ballot style in use for presidential and vice-presidential electors for use only by persons eligible to vote for those offices only under \u00a7 24.2-402 or only for federal elections under \u00a7 24.2-453. The Department of Elections may apportion or authorize the printer or vendor to apportion the costs for these ballots among the localities based on the number of ballots ordered. Any printer employed by the Department of Elections shall execute the statement required by \u00a7 24.2-616. The Department of Elections shall designate a representative to be present at the printing of such ballots and deliver them to the appropriate general registrars pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-617. Upon receipt of such paper ballots, the electoral board or the general registrar shall affix the seal of the electoral board. Thereafter, such ballots shall be handled and accounted for, and the votes counted as the Department of Elections shall specifically direct.\n\t\tThe general registrar shall make printed ballots available for absentee voting not later than 45 days prior to any election or within three business days of the receipt of a properly completed absentee ballot application, whichever is later. In the case of a special election, excluding for federal offices, if time is insufficient to meet the applicable deadline established herein, then the general registrar shall make printed ballots available as soon after the deadline as possible. For the purposes of this chapter, making printed ballots available includes mailing of such ballots or electronic transmission of such ballots pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-706 to a covered voter, as defined in \u00a7 24.2-452, who has applied for an absentee ballot pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-701. Not later than five days after absentee ballots are made available, each general registrar shall report to the Department of Elections, in writing on a form approved by the Department of Elections, whether he has complied with the applicable deadline.\n\t\tOnly the names of candidates for offices to be voted on in a particular election district shall be printed on the ballots for that election district.\n\t\tThe general registrar shall send to the Department of Elections a statement of the number of ballots ordered to be printed, proofs of each printed ballot for verification, and copies of each final ballot. If the Department of Elections finds that, in its opinion, the number of ballots ordered to be printed by any general registrar is not sufficient, it may direct the general registrar to order the printing of a reasonable number of additional ballots.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":15200,"edition_id":1,"name":"Ballots","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13022,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:52:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:52:55","permalink":{"id":188475,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15200,"identifier":"2","token":"24.2\/6\/2","url":"\/24.2\/6\/2\/","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":57868,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-612","catch_line":"List of offices and candidates filed with Department of Elections and checked for accuracy; when ballots printed; number required","url":"\/24.2-612\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-612","metadata":false},{"id":75431,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-612.1","catch_line":"Ballots; death, withdrawal, or disqualification of candidates","url":"\/24.2-612.1\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-612.1","metadata":false},{"id":63746,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-612.2","catch_line":"Notice of withdrawal of candidates","url":"\/24.2-612.2\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-612.2","metadata":false},{"id":74566,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-613","catch_line":"Form of ballot","url":"\/24.2-613\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-613","metadata":false},{"id":62602,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-614","catch_line":"Preparation and form of presidential election ballots","url":"\/24.2-614\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-614","metadata":false},{"id":78484,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-615","catch_line":"Separate questions for proposed constitutional amendments, etc.; uniform ballots","url":"\/24.2-615\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-615","metadata":false},{"id":73351,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-616","catch_line":"Duties of printer; statement; penalty","url":"\/24.2-616\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-616","metadata":false},{"id":69180,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-617","catch_line":"Representative of electoral board or general registrar to be present at printing; custody of ballots; electoral board or general registrar may disclose contents, style, and size","url":"\/24.2-617\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-617","metadata":false},{"id":68202,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-618","catch_line":"Delivery of ballots to electoral board or general registrar; checking and recording number","url":"\/24.2-618\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-618","metadata":false},{"id":69755,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-619","catch_line":"Sealing ballots","url":"\/24.2-619\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-619","metadata":false},{"id":79466,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-620","catch_line":"Dividing ballots into packages for each precinct; delivery of absentee ballots","url":"\/24.2-620\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-620","metadata":false},{"id":70445,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-621","catch_line":"Delivery of packages to officers; opening packages","url":"\/24.2-621\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-621","metadata":false},{"id":74211,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-622","catch_line":"Unofficial sample ballots","url":"\/24.2-622\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-622","metadata":false},{"id":83310,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-623","catch_line":"Ballot containers to be supplied by governing bodies; construction and custody","url":"\/24.2-623\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-623","metadata":false},{"id":65647,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-624","catch_line":"Opening and closing ballot containers; opening polls","url":"\/24.2-624\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-624","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":75431,"structure_id":15200,"section_number":"24.2-612.1","catch_line":"Ballots; death, withdrawal, or disqualification of candidates","url":"\/24.2-612.1\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-612.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/24.2-612\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 21 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 1952, chapter 4; in 1954, chapter 513; in 1956, chapter 395; in 1970, chapter 462; in 1972, chapter 620; in 1980, chapter 639; in 1981, chapter 425; in 1984, chapter 480; in 1993, chapter 641; in 2003, chapter 1015<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 522<\/a>; in 2010, chapters 449<\/a> and 645<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 427<\/a> and 458<\/a>; in 2012, chapter 353<\/a>; in 2013, chapter 684<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 540<\/a> and 576<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 313<\/a>; in 2016, chapters 18<\/a> and 492<\/a>; in 2017, chapters 167<\/a> and 356<\/a>; in 2019, chapters 668<\/a> and 669<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 1149<\/a>, 1151<\/a>, and 1201<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":73923,"section_number":"24.2-466","catch_line":"Sending and updating notices","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-466\/"},{"id":77384,"section_number":"24.2-506","catch_line":"Petition of qualified voters required; number of signatures required; certain towns excepted","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-506\/"},{"id":79466,"section_number":"24.2-620","catch_line":"Dividing ballots into packages for each precinct; delivery of absentee ballots","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-620\/"},{"id":60228,"section_number":"24.2-706","catch_line":"Duty of general registrar on receipt of application; statement of voter","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-706\/"},{"id":57665,"section_number":"24.2-709","catch_line":"Ballot to be returned in manner prescribed by law","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-709\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":73043,"section_number":"24.2-402","catch_line":"Persons moving from Commonwealth fewer than thirty days before presidential election","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-402\/"},{"id":56695,"section_number":"24.2-452","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-452\/"},{"id":81040,"section_number":"24.2-453","catch_line":"Restriction of ballot eligibility","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-453\/"},{"id":73351,"section_number":"24.2-616","catch_line":"Duties of printer; statement; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-616\/"},{"id":69180,"section_number":"24.2-617","catch_line":"Representative of electoral board or general registrar to be present at printing; custody of ballots; electoral board or general registrar may disclose contents, style, and size","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-617\/"},{"id":60154,"section_number":"24.2-701","catch_line":"Application for absentee ballot","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-701\/"},{"id":60228,"section_number":"24.2-706","catch_line":"Duty of general registrar on receipt of application; statement of voter","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-706\/"}],"permalink":{"id":188477,"object_type":"law","relational_id":57868,"identifier":"24.2-612","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-612","url":"\/24.2-612\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/24.2-612\/","token":"24.2\/6\/2\/24.2-612","dublin_core":{"Title":"List of offices and candidates filed with Department of Elections and checked for accuracy; when ballots printed; number required","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 24.2-612","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Immediately after the expiration of the time provided by law<\/span> for a candidate<\/span> for any office to qualify to have his name printed on the official ballot and prior to printing the ballots for an election, each general registrar<\/span> shall forward to the Department of Elections<\/span> a list of the county, city, or town offices to be filled at the election and the names of all candidates<\/span> who have filed for each office. In addition, each general registrar<\/span> shall forward the name of any candidate<\/span> who failed to qualify with the reason for his disqualification. On that same day, the general registrar<\/span> shall also provide a copy of the notice to each disqualified candidate<\/span>. The notice shall be sent by email or regular mail to the address on the candidate<\/span>’s certificate of candidate<\/span> qualification, and such notice shall be deemed sufficient. The Department of Elections<\/span> shall promptly advise the general registrar<\/span> of the accuracy of the list. The failure of any general registrar<\/span> to send the list to the Department of Elections<\/span> for verification shall not invalidate any election.\n\t\tEach general registrar<\/span> shall have printed the number of ballots he determines will be sufficient to conduct the election. Such determination shall be based on the number of active registered voters<\/span> and historical election data, including voter turnout, and shall be subject to the approval by the electoral board<\/span>.\n\t\tNotwithstanding any other provisions of this title, the Department of Elections<\/span> may print or otherwise provide one statewide paper ballot<\/span> style for each paper ballot<\/span> style in use for presidential and vice-presidential electors for use only by persons eligible to vote for those offices only under \u00a7 24.2-402<\/a> or only for federal elections under \u00a7 24.2-453<\/a>. The Department of Elections<\/span> may apportion or authorize the printer or vendor to apportion the costs for these ballots among the localities based on the number of ballots ordered. Any printer employed by the Department of Elections<\/span> shall execute the statement required by \u00a7 24.2-616<\/a>. The Department of Elections<\/span> shall designate a representative to be present at the printing of such ballots and deliver them to the appropriate general registrars<\/span> pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-617<\/a>. Upon receipt of such paper ballots<\/span>, the electoral board<\/span> or the general registrar<\/span> shall affix the seal of the electoral board<\/span>. Thereafter, such ballots shall be handled and accounted for, and the votes counted as the Department of Elections<\/span> shall specifically direct.\n\t\tThe general registrar<\/span> shall make printed ballots<\/span> available for absentee voting not later than 45 days prior to any election or within three business days of the receipt of a properly completed absentee ballot application, whichever is later. In the case of a special election<\/span>, excluding for federal offices, if time is insufficient to meet the applicable deadline established herein, then the general registrar<\/span> shall make printed ballots<\/span> available as soon after the deadline as possible. For the purposes of this chapter, making printed ballots<\/span> available includes mailing of such ballots or electronic transmission of such ballots pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-706<\/a> to a covered voter, as defined in \u00a7 24.2-452<\/a>, who has applied for an absentee ballot pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-701<\/a>. Not later than five days after absentee ballots are made available, each general registrar<\/span> shall report to the Department of Elections<\/span>, in writing on a form approved by the Department of Elections<\/span>, whether he has complied with the applicable deadline.\n\t\tOnly the names of candidates<\/span> for offices to be voted on in a particular election district<\/span> shall be printed on the ballots for that election district<\/span>.\n\t\tThe general registrar<\/span> shall send to the Department of Elections<\/span> a statement of the number of ballots ordered to be printed, proofs of each printed ballot<\/span> for verification, and copies of each final ballot. If the Department of Elections<\/span> finds that, in its opinion<\/span>, the number of ballots ordered to be printed by any general registrar<\/span> is not sufficient, it may direct the general registrar<\/span> to order<\/span> the printing of a reasonable number of additional ballots.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLIST OF OFFICES AND CANDIDATES FILED WITH DEPARTMENT OF ELECTIONS AND CHECKED\nFOR ACCURACY; WHEN BALLOTS PRINTED; NUMBER REQUIRED (\u00a7 24.2-612)\n\nImmediately after the expiration of the time provided by law for a candidate for\nany office to qualify to have his name printed on the official ballot and prior\nto printing the ballots for an election, each general registrar shall forward to\nthe Department of Elections a list of the county, city, or town offices to be\nfilled at the election and the names of all candidates who have filed for each\noffice. In addition, each general registrar shall forward the name of any\ncandidate who failed to qualify with the reason for his disqualification. On\nthat same day, the general registrar shall also provide a copy of the notice to\neach disqualified candidate. The notice shall be sent by email or regular mail\nto the address on the candidate’s certificate of candidate qualification,\nand such notice shall be deemed sufficient. The Department of Elections shall\npromptly advise the general registrar of the accuracy of the list. The failure\nof any general registrar to send the list to the Department of Elections for\nverification shall not invalidate any election.\n\t\tEach general registrar shall have printed the number of ballots he determines\nwill be sufficient to conduct the election. Such determination shall be based on\nthe number of active registered voters and historical election data, including\nvoter turnout, and shall be subject to the approval by the electoral board.\n\t\tNotwithstanding any other provisions of this title, the Department of\nElections may print or otherwise provide one statewide paper ballot style for\neach paper ballot style in use for presidential and vice-presidential electors\nfor use only by persons eligible to vote for those offices only under \u00a7\n24.2-402 or only for federal elections under \u00a7 24.2-453. The Department of\nElections may apportion or authorize the printer or vendor to apportion the\ncosts for these ballots among the localities based on the number of ballots\nordered. Any printer employed by the Department of Elections shall execute the\nstatement required by \u00a7 24.2-616. The Department of Elections shall designate a\nrepresentative to be present at the printing of such ballots and deliver them to\nthe appropriate general registrars pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-617. Upon receipt of such\npaper ballots, the electoral board or the general registrar shall affix the seal\nof the electoral board. Thereafter, such ballots shall be handled and accounted\nfor, and the votes counted as the Department of Elections shall specifically\ndirect.\n\t\tThe general registrar shall make printed ballots available for absentee voting\nnot later than 45 days prior to any election or within three business days of\nthe receipt of a properly completed absentee ballot application, whichever is\nlater. In the case of a special election, excluding for federal offices, if time\nis insufficient to meet the applicable deadline established herein, then the\ngeneral registrar shall make printed ballots available as soon after the\ndeadline as possible. For the purposes of this chapter, making printed ballots\navailable includes mailing of such ballots or electronic transmission of such\nballots pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-706 to a covered voter, as defined in \u00a7 24.2-452,\nwho has applied for an absentee ballot pursuant to \u00a7 24.2-701. Not later than\nfive days after absentee ballots are made available, each general registrar\nshall report to the Department of Elections, in writing on a form approved by\nthe Department of Elections, whether he has complied with the applicable\ndeadline.\n\t\tOnly the names of candidates for offices to be voted on in a particular\nelection district shall be printed on the ballots for that election district.\n\t\tThe general registrar shall send to the Department of Elections a statement of\nthe number of ballots ordered to be printed, proofs of each printed ballot for\nverification, and copies of each final ballot. If the Department of Elections\nfinds that, in its opinion, the number of ballots ordered to be printed by any\ngeneral registrar is not sufficient, it may direct the general registrar to\norder the printing of a reasonable number of additional ballots.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 24-213, 24-214; 1952, c. 4; 1954, c. 513; 1956, c. 395;\n1970, c. 462, \u00a7 24.1-109; 1972, c. 620; 1980, c. 639; 1981, c. 425; 1984, c.\n480; 1993, c. 641; 2003, c. 1015; 2009, c. 522; 2010, cc. 449, 645; 2011, cc.\n427, 458; 2012, c. 353; 2013, c. 684; 2014, cc. 540, 576; 2015, c. 313; 2016,\ncc. 18, 492; 2017, cc. 167, 356; 2019, cc. 668, 669; 2020, cc. 1149, 1151, 1201.","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}}