Hank Silverberg, wtop.com
WASHINGTON — There is more fallout over a loyalty pledge Virginia Republicans are asking primary voters to sign when they vote on March 6.
Virginia’s voters do not register with a party, and they can vote in either party’s primary. But, anyone who tries to vote in the 2012 Republican primary must sign a loyalty oath promising to vote Republican in the fall.
Delegate Bob Marshall, R-Manassas, says that may be a violation of the law because the Virginia State Board of Elections approved it too close to the primary date.
“That may not within the 90-day window, and I am trying to talk to an attorney to see what we can do here,” he says.
Marshall has asked for a ruling from the state attorney general.
He says the oath is likely to intimidate some Democratic and Independent voters who otherwise might want to consider a Republican candidate in November.
Marshall also says the oath, which will have to be enforced by the elections officers, is a questionable use of the taxpayers’ money.
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