A. Any person who intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, any other person in giving his vote or ballot or who intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce a voter to deter or prevent him from voting is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. In addition to the criminal penalty provided in subsection A, such actions shall also create a cause of action. A voter who is intimidated, threatened, or coerced by another person in violation of subsection A shall be entitled to institute an action for preventative relief, including an application for a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order, against such person. The action shall be instituted in the circuit court of the locality where the violation occurred. In any such action, the court may, in its discretion, allow a private plaintiff a reasonable attorney fee as part of the costs, if such plaintiff is the prevailing party.
C. This section applies to any election and to any method used by a political party for selection of its nominees and for selection of delegates to its conventions and meetings.
1970, c. 462, § 24.1-271; 1993, c. 641; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 528, 533.
Structure Code of Virginia
Chapter 10 - Election Offenses Generally; Penalties
§ 24.2-1000. Intimidation of officers of election
§ 24.2-1001. Willful neglect or corrupt conduct
§ 24.2-1002. Interference with registration
§ 24.2-1002.1. Unlawful disclosure or use of social security number or part thereof
§ 24.2-1003. Campaigning at registration locations
§ 24.2-1004. Illegal voting and registrations
§ 24.2-1005. Intimidation of voters; civil cause of action
§ 24.2-1005.1. Communication of false information to registered voter
§ 24.2-1005.2. Interference with voting
§ 24.2-1006. Advice or assistance in casting ballot
§ 24.2-1007. Soliciting or accepting bribe to influence or procure vote
§ 24.2-1008. Selling, giving away, or counterfeiting ballots
§ 24.2-1011. Ballot not to be carried away
§ 24.2-1012. Offenses as to absent voters
§ 24.2-1015. Conspiracy against rights of citizens under this title
§ 24.2-1016. False statements; penalties
§ 24.2-1017. Penalties when not specifically provided elsewhere
§ 24.2-1018. Immunity of witnesses
§ 24.2-1019. Complaints and allegations concerning election law offenses