The Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council – A state agency, is an office with the expertise to help resolve disputes over Freedom of Information issues. The FOIA Council answers questions from private citizens, state and local public officials, and the media about access to public records and meetings. Under Virginia law, the presumption is that all documents in the possession of public officials and all meetings of state and local public bodies are open to citizens of the Commonwealth. Of course, there are exceptions and these exceptions can lead to good faith disagreements between citizens or media and public officials.
Virginia Legislative Information System – Public site maintained by Virginia Division of Legislative Automative Systems. Provides current sate/laws, regulations, and introduced legislation by session. Searchable databases for past sessions to 1994.
United States Constitution – Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government. Its first three words – “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. Provided by the United States Senate.
Constitution of Virginia – The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia is the document that defines and limits the powers of the state government and the basic rights of the citizens of the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia. Provided by Virginia Legislative Information System.
Code of Virginia – The Code of Virginia is the statutory law of the U.S. state of Virginia, and consists of the codified legislation of the Virginia General Assembly. Provided by the Virginia Legislative Information System
Virginia Regulatory Town Hall – Public internet site maintained by Virginia Department of Planning and Budget as central repository for regulatory actions, guidance documents and public meeting materials for state agencies generally. The State Board of Elections uses this site to propose and request comments on regulations, to publish guidance documents, including the Handbook for General Registrars and Electoral Board Members.
Virginia Administrative Code – Public internet site maintained by the Virginia Registrar of Regulations within the Division of Legislative Services. This site provides final regulations adopted by the State Board of Elections as Agency 20. The Virginia Administrative Code citation should be used whenever citing to a final regulation as authority for taking some action.
Virginia Attorney General Opinions- Searchable database of opinions going back to 1996, with instructions for researching earlier years. For example, opinions dealing with authorized representatives can be accessed by entering 24.2-604 in the top right search box.