Poll tax-Must have paid, not later than 6 months before election, his State poll taxes for 3 years next preceding year of election (§ 24-67; see also Supp. § 24-120). Treasurer of each county and city shall file clerk of circuit court a list of persons who have paid poll tax, which list shall state the white and colored persons separately. Treasurer shall designate as a tribal Indian any person who presents affidavit by Chief of any Indian Tribe that he is a member of such tribe (Supp. § 24-120). Disqualified from voting (§ 24–18). 1. Idiots or insane persons. 2. Paupers. 3. Persons convicted after the adoption of the Constitution either within or without the State of treason or of any felony, bribery, petit larceny, obtaining money or property under false pretenses, embezzlement, forgery or perjury. 4. Persons who, while citizens of the State since the adoption of the Constitution, have fought a duel either with a deadly weapon, or sent or accepted a challenge to fight such duel either within or without the State, or knowingly conveyed a challenge, or aided in any way in fighting such duel. 5. Persons who prior to the adoption of the Constitution were disqualified from voting by conviction of crime either within or without the State and whose disabilities have not been removed. Registration Registration is permanent except that in cities with population between 40,000 and 160,000 there may be a new registration every 10 years. However, if such registration is for any reason other than the destruction of the registration books by fire or otherwise, then no qualified voter who has registered prior to January 1, 1904, nor who has registered or reregistered under a new registration declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction subsequent to January 1, 1950, shall be required to register again (§ 24-92; Laws 1950, ch. 192; Laws 1952, ch. 158). Permanent rolls.-Registration of voters which took place between June 12, 1901, and January 1, 1904, shall be known as permanent rolls, and voters on such rolls shall not be required to register again unless they have ceased to be residents of the State or have become disqualified (§ 24-117; Const. of Virginia, § 19). Armed Forces.-Registration and poll taxes are waived for members of Armed Forces of the United States in time of war who vote in person (Supp. § 24-23-1). While there is provision for absent voting of such persons, registration must be made in person (8 24-17; Supp. § 24-345.1). Literacy.-Applicant for registration, unless physically unable to do so, shall make application to the registrar in his own handwriting without aid, suggestion, or memorandum on a form which may be provided by the registration officer in the presence of the registrar Acts of 1960, Ch. 288, effective June 27, 1960 (Supp. § 24-68). However, § 24-450 contains penalty for deceiving voter who cannot read the language in which ballot is printed. Registration application-contents Oath.-Applicant shall take and subscribe to oath by which he solemnly swears or affirms that he is entitled to register under the Constitution and laws of the State and that he is not disqualified from exercising the right of suffrage by the Constitution of Virginia (§ 24-83). Registration application shall contain the following (Supp. § 24-68): 1. Name. 2. Age. 3. Date and place of birth. 4. Residence and occupation at the time and for 1 year next preceding. 5. Whether he has previously voted, and, if so, the State, county, and precinct in which he voted last (Supp. § 24-68). Record of registration.-It shall be the duty of the registrar to preserve the written application of all persons who are registered, or who are denied registration by him, for at least 1 year after such application is presented, such written application to be filed and kept with the registration books and preserved as a part of the official records (§ 24-72). Penalty for violations If any person knowingly votes in an election district in which he does not actually reside, or in which he is not a registered voter, or votes more than once at any election with unlawful intent, or counsels or aids another to vote when or where he is not qualified to vote, he shall be confined in jail not exceeding 1 year and fined not more than $1,000 (§ 24-450). If any person not a resident of the State shall vote at any election in the State, he shall be confined in the penitentiary for from 6 to 12 months and fined not more than $500 or in the discretion of the jury, be confined in jail not more than 12 months and fined not more than $1,000 (§ 24-451). Any violation of the provisions of the election law for which no specific penalty has been provided shall be deemed a misdemeanor punishable by fine not exceed ing $1,000, or by confinement in jail for not more than 12 months or both (§ 24-455). WASHINGTON Unless otherwise designated, references are to Revised Code, 1951, Title 29, and to 1961 Supplement thereto. Voter's qualifications (Const. of Washington, Art. VI, § 1, as amended by Amendment 5; Code § 29.07.070) Age.-21 years or over by election. Citizenship.-Must be citizens of United States. Residence.-1 year in State, 90 days in county, 30 days in city, town, ward or precinct immediately preceding election. Absence due to employment in the civil service of the United States shall not result in loss of residence for voting (Const. Art. VI, § 4). Literacy.-Must be able to read and speak English if not a legal voter on November 3, 1896. Electors of 1889.-All persons who were qualified electors of the Territory on November 11, 1889, when Constitution was adopted, are qualified electors. Disqualified for voting (Const. of Wash., Art. VI, § 1, as amended by Amendment 5, Art. VI, § 3) 1. Indians not taxed. 2. Idiots or insane persons. 3. Persons convicted of an infamous crime unless restored to their civil rights. 4. Persons convicted of subversive organization after June 1, 1951 (Rev. Code, 1951, Title 9, § 9.81.040). Registration Registration is permanent, subject to cancellation for failure to vote in at least one election for a period of 4 years (§ 29.10.080). (Any Registration must be made in person (§§ 29.07.060, 29.07.090). Although absent voting is permitted, registration must be in person (§ 29.36.010). person temporarily outside of his county of permanent residence may register in county of temporary residence (Laws 1957, ch. 251, § 13)). As to absentee service voters not already registered, a properly executed declaration on the absentee ballot envelope shall suffice as complete voter's registration for the election for which it is submitted (§§ 29.39.110, 29.39.140; Laws 1955, Ch. 50, §4). Registration application-contents Oath.-Applicant shall swear or affirm that he will fully and truly answer such questions as may be asked of him concerning his qualifications as a voter in the State (§ 29.07.060). The registration officer shall interrogate applicant as to the following (§ 29.07.070): 1. Name. 2. Whether he will be 21 years of age on day of next election. 3. Place of birth. 4. Place of residence, post office address. 5. Occupation. 6. Citizenship. 7. If a citizen of United States, whether native born or naturalized. 8. If naturalized, whether in his own right or by virtue of his father's naturalization. 9. In case of a woman not native born, how naturalized. 10. If naturalized, how, when, and where. 11. Has applicant ever renounced allegiance to United States, and if so, has he since been naturalized as a citizen of the United States? 12. In case applicant is of foreign birth and is not a naturalized citizen of the United States, whether he was a legal voter of the Territory of Washington prior to November 11, 1889. 13. Literacy. Whether applicant was a legal voter of the State on November 3, 1896, or is able to read and speak English so as to comprehend the meaning of ordinary English prose and, in case the registration officer is not satisfied in that regard, he may require the applicant to read aloud and explain the meaning of some ordinary English prose. 14. Whether applicant has lost his civil rights by reason of being convicted of an infamous crime, and if so, have such rights been restored in manner provided by law. 15. Has applicant resided in State not less than 11 months? (Registration closes for original registration 30 days immediately preceding every election and primary, § 29.07.160.) 16. Length of residence in county (not less than 60 days at registration). 17. Length of residence in precinct. 18. Is applicant a taxpayer of the State. 19. Place and address of last former registration as a voter in State. 20. Oath.-Registration officer enters above information on registration card. Applicant must then subscribe to oath (or affirmation) printed on card that the foregoing facts touching his qualifications as a voter entered in his presence by registration officers are true (§ 29.07.080). Penalty for violations Fraudulent registration.—Any person who falsely swears in taking the oath or affirmation for registration, or falsely impersonates another and registers in his name, or registers under two or more different names, or causes any name to be registered in any manner other than that provided by law shall be guilty of a felony (§ 29.85.200). Illegal voting.-Any person who votes or attempts to vote more than once at any election, or knowingly hands in two or more ballots together, or votes or attempts to vote in more than one township, precinct, ward, or county shall be punished as for a gross misdemeanor and adjudges incapable of voting at any election or holding any office for 2 years thereafter (§ 29.85.210). Any person knowing that he is not a qualified voter who votes at any election shall be guilty of a felony (§ 29.85.240). Any person violating any provision of the election code for which no other specific penalty is provided shall be punished as for a misdemeanor (§ 29.85.250). WEST VIRGINIA Unless otherwise designated, references are to Code of 1955, Annotated, and to 1960 Supplement. Voters' qualifications (Const. of West Virginia, Art. IV, § 1; Art. II, §3) Citizenship.-Must be citizen of United States. Residence.-1 year in State, 60 days in county next preceding election. Disqualified from voting (Const. of West Virginia, Art. IV, § 1) While such disability continues: 1. Persons of unsound mind. 2. Paupers. 3. Persons who are under conviction of treason, felony, or bribery in an election. Registration Registration is permanent, subject to cancellation for failure to vote at least once during a period covering two primary and general elections (§ 50). Registration must be made in person (§§ 57 (10), 57 (12)), but a qualified voter who is absent from the State or country because of occupational or other reasons including service in the Armed Forces may register by mail permanently (§57 (13)), or temporarily (for members of Armed Forces only) (§ 149 (9)). Registration application contents (§ 57 (9)) 1. Name (prefix by "Miss," "Mrs.," "Mr."). 2. Party affiliation.-If he declines to state, shall be registered as "Independent" and will not be permitted to vote in primary (§ 57(20)). 3. Term of residence. 4. Place and date of birth. 5. Occupation. 6. Color of eyes, hair, skin. 7. Height. 8. Marital status. 9. If unable to write, state reasons. 10. Other means of identification. 11. If naturalized, how, when, and where. 12. Oath.-Applicant subscribes to printed oath or affirmation that the statements contained in registration form are true to the best of his knowledge and belief and that he is legally qualified to vote. Literacy.-Apparently not required. If an applicant, although physically able, shall allege inability to sign his name, the registrar shall require him to present an affidavit of a qualified voter within the same county who is personally acquainted with the applicant. Such other voter shall in his affidavit state his own residence and affirm that the statements made by the applicant for registration are true. Upon the presentation of such affidavit, the applicant shall be permitted to sign the registration form by making his mark (§ 57 (17)). Penalty for violations If any person making an affidavit required under election laws shall knowingly swear falsely or shall aid or advise another to so swear, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not over $1,000 and imprisonment in the county jail for not over 1 year (§ 151). Any person who shall forge the name of another to any affidavit or other writing required by the election laws, or who shall use a forged writing knowing it to be forged shall be guilty of a felony punishable by confinement in the penitentiary for from 1 to 10 years (§ 152). If any person knowingly votes when not legally entitled to, or votes more than once in the same election or votes or attempts to vote more than one ballot, or procures or assists in procuring an aillegal vote to be admitted, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable for each offense by fine of not more than $1,000 or by confinement in the county jail for not more than 1 year or both (§ 171). Any person who shall commit any act made an offense by the election laws for which no penalty is prescribed shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by confinement in jail for not more than 1 year (§ 178). WISCONSIN Unless otherwise designated, references are to Statutes, Annotated, 1957, and to 1961 Supplement. Voters' qualifications (§ 6.01; Const, of Wisc., Art. III, § 1) Age.-21 years or upwards. Citizenship.-Must be citizens of United States or persons of Indian blood who have once been declared by law of Congress to be citizens of the United States, any subsequent law of Congress notwithstanding. Residence.-1 year in State, 10 days in election district or precinct. Voter who moves to new precinct less than 10 days before election may vote in old precinct. New residents.-A person who has been a resident of the State for less than 1 year shall be entitled to vote for presidential and vice presidential electors provided that he was a qualified voter in another State immediately prior to his removal to Wisconsin or would be a qualified voter in such other State had he remained there until this election, and provided that he would be qualified in Wisconsin but for residence. No registration is required of such voters. Voters shall vote in person from 1 to 15 days before election in the county clerk's office. Application for a ballot shall be made to county clerk at any time within 1 year preceding a presidential election. Such application shall be in the form of an affidavit stating that applicant is qualified as per § 9.045 of Stats. Ann., to vote for President and Vice President of the United States. Upon receipt of such application, county clerk shall forward a request to election clerk of applicant's former residence, for proof that said applicant was a qualified voter in said State immediately prior to his removal therefrom, or that he would have been so qualified by election, but for such removal. If satisfied that the certification by clerk of prior residence is in good order, the county clerk shall notify the applicant that he is entitled to vote in person for electors of President and Vice President from 1 to 15 days before election (§§ 9.045, 9.046; Supp. § 9.046). Disqualified from voting (Art. 6.01; Const. of Wisc., Art. III, § 2) 1. Persons convicted of bribery unless restored to civil rights. 2. Persons interested in any wager depending upon result of an election shall not be permitted to vote at such election. 3. Persons convicted of treason or felony unless restored to civil rights. 4. Persons under guardianship, non compos mentis, or insane. 5. Persons who have engaged in a duel either directly or indirectly, either as principal or accessory (Const. of Wisc., Art. XIII, § 2). Registration Registration is required in every city, village, and town having a population of 5,000 or more; in every city, village, and town of less than 5,000 if it is located in a county having a population of 300,000 or more; and in any city, village, or town of less than 5,000 or whose population has never been deter mined by a United States census, which elects to have registration (§ 6.14). Registration is permanent and, except in counties of 300,000 or more inhabitants, is subject to cancellation for failure to vote within a 2-year period (§§ 6.18, 6.185, 10.15). Except in counties of 300,000 or over, registration must be made in person (Supp. § 6.17 (2)), but any person who is more than 50 miles away from his legal residence may register by affidavit through the mail (§ 6.17 (5)). Voters serv ing in the Armed Forces of the United States are exempted from registration (§ 11.70(2)). Voter confined to his home or in any institution because of physical infirmity may be registered at his home or in such institution, by authorized employee of municipal clerk (Supp. §§ 6.17 (2) (b), 6.185 (4) (d), 10.15(1)(b)). In counties of 300,000 or more inhabitants and in the city of Milwaukee, registration is accomplished by securing a registration card either in person or by mail. The card can be filled in by applicant or another person, but applicant must sign his name or make his mark (§§ 6.185, 10.10). Provisions for absent voters and service voters are the same as in smaller counties (§§ 6.185 (10), 10.15(3)). Registration application-contents In counties of less than 300,000 inhabitants (§ 6.16): 1. Name. 2. Residence, street, number, ward, and precinct. 3. Occupation. 4. Birthplace. 5. If naturalized, how, where and when. 6. Oath.-Applicant subscribes to an "Affidavit of Registration" in which he swears (or affirms) that he is qualified by age, citizenship, and residence. In counties of 300,000 and over, and in city of Milwaukee (§§ 6.185, 10.10): 1. Name. 2. Residence, exact location. 3. Are you a citizen of the United States? 4. Have you lived in the State for a year or more? 5. Have you lived for 10 days or more in this precinct? 6. Have you lived for 10 days or more in this ward? 7. Are you 21 years of age? 8. Are you for any reason excluded from the right of suffrage? 9. Signature of applicant, or his mark. Oaths are provided for in case of voter challenged at the polls (§ 6.50). Literacy. Apparently not required. Any voter who declares to the presiding election officer that he cannot read or write shall be informed that he may have assistance (§ 6.39). Penalty is provided for person deceiving a voter who cannot read (§ 12.67). Penalty for violations Any person who shall vote at any election not being legally qualified or having been disfranchised, or shall procure his registration in any election district not having the requisites for registration in such district, or shall willfully make any false statement not under oath to election inspectors or to board of registry in respect to his qualifications to vote, or shall register in more than one election |