Page:The Constitution of West Virginia ratified in 1872.pdf/11

 [Art.3, Sec.17]

ARTICLE IV Election and Officers 1. The citizens of the state shall be entitled to vote at all elections held within the counties in which they respectively reside; but no person who is a minor, or who has been declared mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction, or who is under conviction of treason, felony or bribery in an election, or who has not been a resident of the state and of the county in which he offers to vote, for thirty days next preceding such offer, shall be permitted to vote while such disability continues; but no person in the military, naval or marine service of the United States shall be deemed a resident of this state by reason of being stationed therein.

[This amendment was proposed by House Joint Resolution No. 13, Acts, Regular Session, 1994, p. 2230 and ratified November 8, 1994. Vote on the amendment: For ratification, 213,956, Against ratification, 153,369; Majority, 59,587.]

This section, prior to its amendment, read: 1. The male citizens of the State shall be entitled to vote at all elections held within the counties in which they respectively reside; but no person who is a minor, or of unsound mind, or a pauper, or who is under conviction of treason, felony, or bribery in an election, or who has not been a resident of the State for one year, and of the county in which he offers to vote, for sixty days next preceding such offer, shall be permitted to vote while such disability continues; but no person in the military, naval or marine service of the United States shall be deemed a resident of this State by reason of being stationed therein.

Mode of Voting by Ballot

2. In all elections by the people, the mode of voting shall be by ballot; but the voter shall be left free to vote by either open,sealed or secret ballot, as he may elect.

Voter Not Subject to Arrest on Civil Process

3. No voter, during the continuance of an election at which he is entitled to vote, or during the time necessary and convenient for going to and returning from the same, shall be subject to arrest upon civil process, or be compelled to attend any court, or judicial proceeding, as suitor, juror or witness; or to work upon the public roads; or, except in time of war or public danger to render military service.

Persons Entitled to Hold Office—Age Requirements

4. No person, except citizens entitled to vote, shall be elected