VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF DICKENSON COUNTY
IN RE: PROCEDURE FOR THE FILING AND HEARING OF ACTIONS RELATED TO ELECTIONS ON ELECTION DAY DUE TO COURT CLOSURE
ORDER
Election day in November is a legal holiday in the Commonwealth pursuant to Virginia Code 2.2-3300; therefore, the Courthouse will be closed to the general public. However, the Court and the Clerk of Court must be available for filing and hearing of actions relating to election matters in a timely manner.
Therefore, it is hereby ADJUDGED, ORDERED and DECREED that:
( 1) The Office of the Clerk of Court shall be available for the filing of actions related to election matters from 6:00AM until two hours after the polls close, only for the limited purpose of filing actions related to the election and setting expedited hearings as required by the Court or by law. Persons desiring to file actions related to the election may call the Clerk's office by telephone at (276) 275-4230 for instructions on the method for filing.
Electronic media are to be preferred, if available.
(2) The Court shall review the filing and be available for hearings and/or ruling on actions as determined by law until two hours after polls close. Hearings conducted remotely by Cisco Webex are to be preferred and parties will be provided contact information as well as communicated to any members of the public or media who may wish to observe a hearing. If remote hearing is not feasible, the Court will conduct a hearing at the Courthouse and advise the necessary parties of the time and open the Courthouse to the public for the limited purpose of the hearing.
(3) This Order remains in effect from November 3, 2020, and on each Election Day thereafter until revoked by law or subsequent order of this Court.
(4) A copy of this order shall be distributed the General Registrar for Dickenson County, the Virginia State Board of Elections, and the Supreme Court of Virginia. A copy shall be posted on the Court and Clerk's Website, and on the front door of the Courthouse on each November election day.
IT IS SO ORDERED on this the 28th Day of October, 2020.
ENTERED: Judge Brian K. Patton