§ 24.2-305 Composition of election districts and precincts
Overview of Statute
This section requires that each election district and precinct be composed of compact and contiguous territory and have clearly defined and clearly observable boundaries. The section proceeds to define “clearly observable boundary.”
Statute
A. Each election district and precinct shall be composed of compact and contiguous territory and shall have clearly defined and clearly observable boundaries.
B. A “clearly observable boundary” shall include (i) any named road or street, (ii) any road or highway which is a part of the federal, primary, or secondary state highway system, (iii) any river, stream, or drainage feature shown as a polygon boundary on the TIGER/line files of the United States Bureau of the Census, or (iv) any other natural or constructed or erected permanent physical feature which is shown on an official map issued by the Virginia Department of Transportation, on a United States Geological Survey topographical map, or as a polygon boundary on the TIGER/line files of the United States Bureau of the Census. No property line or subdivision boundary shall be deemed to be a clearly observable boundary unless it is marked by a permanent physical feature that is shown on an official map issued by the Virginia Department of Transportation, on a United States Geological Survey topographical map, or as a polygon boundary on the TIGER/line files of the United States Bureau of the Census.
1986, c. 593, § 24.1-40.7; 1990, c. 500; 1992, c. 425; 1993, c. 641; 2001, c. 614.
- Cross-References:
- Other requirements
- Redistricting
1. Definition for Department
The state agency headed by the Commissioner of Elections.
See § 24.2-101.
2. Definition for United States
Used in the territorial sense, means the several states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
See § 24.2-452.
3. Definition for Election district
The territory designated by proper authority or by law which is represented by an official elected by the people, including the Commonwealth, a congressional district, a General Assembly district, or a district for the election of an official of a county, city, town, or other governmental unit.
See § 24.2-101.
4. Definition for State
A state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
See § 24.2-452.
5. Definition for Primary
An election held for the purpose of selecting a candidate to be the nominee of a political party for election to office.
See § 24.2-101.
6. Definition for Election
A general, primary, or special election.
See § 24.2-101.
7. Definition for Precinct
The territory designated by the governing body of a county, city, or town to be served by one polling place.
See § 24.2-101.
Cases
Virginia Cases
Case Name: Wilkins v. West
Citation: 571 S.E.2d 100
Year: 2002
Case URL: https://www.ravellaw.com/opinions/41ae0d0ef588eddc9b1575be85d46d38
Case Summary: Holding that traditional redistricting elements, including “preservation of existing districts, incumbency, voting behavior, and communities of interest,” are legitimate legislative considerations.
Case Name: Jamerson v. Womack
Citation: 423 S.E.2d 180
Year: 1992
Case URL: https://www.ravellaw.com/opinions/7dc6bb77dab7b17d989ce37bca734bfe
Case Summary: Holding that (1) compactness in content was not necessary to satisfy the constitutional provision requiring districts to be continuous and compact and that (2) districts that were approximately 145 and 165 miles could satisfy compactness requirement.
Out-of-State Cases
Federal Cases
Regulations & Guidance
Additional Resources
Agency Forms
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Polling Place Relocation Form SBE-15