Virginia § 15.2-1422 - Electing a chairman and vice-chairman or a mayor and vice-mayor
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 15.2-1422 — Electing a chairman and vice-chairman or a mayor and vice-mayor, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15.2-1422. Electing a chairman and vice-chairman or a mayor and vice-mayor
Unless the presiding officer is elected by popular vote, every governing body, at its first meeting after taking office, shall elect one of its number as presiding officer. Such officer shall be called "chairman," "chairwoman," "chair," "chairperson," or "chair-at-large," in the presiding officer's discretion, if a member of a board of supervisors and "mayor" if a member of a city or town council. Such member, if present, shall preside at the first meeting and all other meetings during the term for which so elected. The governing body also shall elect a vice-chairman or vice-mayor, as the case may be, who shall preside at meetings in the absence of the chairman or mayor and may discharge any duty of the chairman or mayor during his absence or disability. Chairmen and vice-chairmen and mayors and vice-mayors may be so elected to serve for terms corresponding with their terms as supervisors or councilmen or may be elected for such other period as determined by the governing body. Whenever any board or council at the time of such election, fails to designate the specific term of office for which a chairman or vice-chairman or a mayor or vice-mayor is elected, it shall be presumed that such officers were elected for a term of one year and shall serve until their successors have been elected and qualify. Chairmen and vice-chairmen and mayors and vice-mayors may succeed themselves in office. In the case of the absence from any meeting of the chairman and vice-chairman or mayor and vice-mayor, the members present shall choose one of their number as temporary presiding officer.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 15.2-1422
What does Code of Virginia § 15.2-1422 cover?
Section 15.2-1422 ("Electing a chairman and vice-chairman or a mayor and vice-mayor") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 15.2-1422?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 15.2-1422" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 15.2-1422 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.