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2000 SESSION


CHAPTER 539
An Act to amend and reenact § 24.2-1014 of the Code of Virginia, relating to campaign writings and advertisements; identification requirements.
[H 1152]
Approved April 6, 2000

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 24.2-1014 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 24.2-1014. Identifying persons responsible for campaign advertisements; penalties.

A. As used in this section "writing" “advertisement” includes any printed or otherwise reproduced statement or advertisement material that contains a statement or statements made for the purpose of influencing the outcome of an election for public office, but shall not include: (i) editorial comment or news coverage which that is sponsored and financed by the news medium publishing or broadcasting it nor writings authorized by the candidate on; (ii) novelties, authorized by the candidate, including, but not limited to, pens, pencils, and buttons to be attached to wearing apparel; or (iii) signs and billboards larger than six square feet in area and authorized by the candidate that show only the candidate’s name and one or more of the following facts: the candidate’s political party, the elected office held, the elected office sought, or the date of the election.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to cause any writing advertisement other than a television or radio broadcast to appear concerning any clearly identified candidate unless such writing advertisement plainly identifies the person or entity responsible for it. The writing advertisement shall carry the statement “authorized by ……………” and contain the following information to complete the statement:

1. The name of the candidate if the writing advertisement is authorized by the candidate or his campaign committee;

2. The name of the political party committee if the writing advertisement is authorized by that committee; or

3. If authorized by any person other than the candidate, his campaign committee, or a political party committee, either:

a. In the case of a committee that has filed a statement of organization under § 24.2-908, the full name of the committee and a registration number provided by the State Board, or

b. In any other case, the full name and residence address of the individual responsible for the writing advertisement.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person to use a false or fictitious name or address on any such writing advertisement described in subsection B.

D. It shall be unlawful for any person to cause any radio or television or other electronically transmitted statement to appear concerning any clearly identified candidate unless the advertisement or statement contains information which that plainly identifies the candidate, committee, or individual, or entity responsible for it.

E. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed fifty dollars; and, in the case of a willful violation, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The procedure to enforce the civil penalty provided in this section shall be as stated in § 24.2-929. The violation of this section shall not void any election.