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The 1976 Virginia State Elections took place on Election Day, November 2, 1976, the same day as the U.S. Presidential, U.S. Senate, U.S. House elections in the state. The only statewide elections on the ballot were six constitutional referendums to amend the Virginia State Constitution. All referendums were referred to the voters by the Virginia General Assembly. [1]

Question 1

This amendment asked voters to eliminate the length of residence as a qualification to vote and to extend the time a voter may vote in their precinct after moving from it.

Question 1
Choice Votes %
Referendum passed Yes 690,479 68.05
No 324,236 31.95
Total votes 1,014,715 100.00
Source: - Official Results

Question 2

This amendment asked voters to permit absentee voter registration. This was enacted in response to the Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act of 1975 signed by U.S. President Gerald Ford.

Question 2
Choice Votes %
Referendum passed Yes 890,639 78.24
No 247,711 21.76
Total votes 1,138,350 100.00
Source: - Official Results

Question 3

This amendment asked voters to specify that the requirement of 1 year's residence in Virginia for office seekers be the year preceding election to office.

Question 3
Choice Votes %
Referendum passed Yes 874,535 77.84
No 249,030 21.66
Total votes 1,123,565 100.00
Source: - Official Results

Question 4

This amendment asked voters to remove the restriction against certain public officials and public employees serving as assistant or substitute voter registrars or election officers. Although the amendment was rejected by voters, a narrower measure was approved 10 years later in 1986.

Question 4
Choice Votes %
Referendum failed No 578,916 53.52
Yes 502,776 46.48
Total votes 1,081,692 100.00
Source: - Official Results

Question 5

This amendment asked voters to permit judicial appointments of elected local officials and eliminate the need for special elections to fill a vacancy for less than 60 days.

Question 5
Choice Votes %
Referendum passed Yes 661,368 60.17
No 437,787 39.83
Total votes 1,099,155 100.00
Source: - Official Results

Question 6

This amendment asked voters to permit certain tax exemptions for property subject to a perpetual easement for flooding, property owned by permanently and totally disabled residents, property used for solar energy purposes, and tangible farm property and products.

Question 6
Choice Votes %
Referendum passed Yes 768,281 69.33
No 339,921 30.67
Total votes 1,108,202 100.00
Source: - Official Results

References