Virginia § 24.2-538.1 - Procedure when pre-election withdrawal of candidacy results in unopposed primary
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 24.2-538.1 — Procedure when pre-election withdrawal of candidacy results in unopposed primary, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24.2-538.1. Procedure when pre-election withdrawal of candidacy results in unopposed primary
A. If a person who is a candidate for nomination by a political party at a primary election and who has qualified to have his name printed on the ballot for such election, submits, on or after the forty-fourth day before but prior to the Tuesday immediately preceding the primary election, a signed and notarized notice of his intent to withdraw in accordance with § 24.2-612.2, and the result of such withdrawal is one remaining candidate who is now unopposed for nomination by the political party, such remaining candidate shall be declared the nominee of such political party for the office sought and the primary election shall be canceled as set forth in subsection B.
B. Upon receipt of a candidate's signed and notarized notice of withdrawal made pursuant to § 24.2-612.2, the general registrar shall immediately transmit such notice to the local electoral board and the State Board and certify that the remaining candidate, identified by name, is now unopposed for nomination by the political party for the office sought. Within one calendar day of receiving such notice and certification, the State Board shall declare the remaining candidate to be the nominee of such political party for the office sought. As soon as possible thereafter, the local electoral board shall petition the circuit court for the cancellation of the primary election.
C. The State Board shall prescribe the procedures for canceling a primary election pursuant to this section, including instructions for locking and securing voting systems, the disposition of marked and unmarked absentee ballots, and voter notification.
D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to primaries for the nomination of candidates for the office of President of the United States held pursuant to Article 7 (§ 24.2-544 et seq.).
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 24.2-538.1
What does Code of Virginia § 24.2-538.1 cover?
Section 24.2-538.1 ("Procedure when pre-election withdrawal of candidacy results in unopposed primary") 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 § 24.2-538.1?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 24.2-538.1" (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 § 24.2-538.1 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.