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Election Rules Reminder

As the statewide and local campaigns heat up and we move closer to a Democratic Primary, the State Board of Elections wants to remind citizens of a number of rules to remember regarding voter and candidate ethics. 

The Board has posted a long list of best practices AND "don'ts" on its website about voter registration drives.  

They include such rules as: “Don’t complete applications for anyone who you know is not eligible to vote.” All instructions should be read thoroughly by those interested in participating in a drive—with the awareness that some penalties are felonies and punishable by incarceration and/or fines.

People who want to donate to a candidate must also remember to file proper paperwork to report certain amounts, according to state Election Services Manager Chris Piper.
 
"The code requires that any political action committee that receives a contribution-a single contribution of $10,000 or more, report the receipt of that contribution within three business days. It however, does exempt affiliate organizations," says Piper.
 
Candidates and others who choose to visit polling places also have to be mindful of the materials they pass out there. If they're supporting a specific candidate, the materials must identify the candidate and state that he or she approves the message.
 

Tommie McNeil is a State Capitol reporter who has been covering Virginia and Virginia politics for more than a decade. He originally hails from Maryland, and also doubles as the evening anchor for 1140 WRVA in Richmond.