Virginia. Circuit Court.

The election records group encompasses all of the documents dealing with public elections and related to voters and voting. The franchise in Virginia has varied in its extent. Prior to revolutionary war, white male freeholders (real property owners) over 21, were the only individuals entitled to vote. This condition was continued by the 1776 Constitution. Alterations in the extent of the franchise could only be made by constitutional change. There was an attempt in 1829-30 to extend the franchise as well as reapportion the representation to the general assembly. The right to vote was extended to potential property owners (reversioners or remaindermen of freehold estates) and long term leaseholders, as well as white males over 21 who have resided in a locality for at least twelve months and paid taxes. The constitution of 1850-51 widely extended the suffrage. All white males aged 21, residents of Virginia for two years, and resident for one year in the ocality in which they are living at the time of the of the election were now eligible to vote. The 1867-68 Constitution extended the vote to include newly emancipated black males.

Several attempts were made to restrict the suffrage by imposing educational requirements and making the ballot secret. These acts included the Anderson-McCormick law and the Walton law of 1893-94. The Constitution of 1901-02 continued male suffrage of those over 21, but did include provisions to require literacy and payment of poll tax. There were amendments in 1927 which shortened the residency requirements and extended the suffrage to women.

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