The2002Virginia State Elections took place onElection Day, November 5, 2002, the same day as theU.S. Senate and theU.S. House elections in the state. The only statewide elections on the ballot were two constitutionalreferendums to amend theVirginia State Constitution and twogovernment bondreferendums. Because Virginia state elections are held on off-years, no statewide officers or state legislative elections were held. All referendums werereferred to the voters by theVirginia General Assembly.[1]
The Judicial Power and Jurisdiction Act spells out in detail when and how a convictedfelon may petition theVirginia Supreme Court (and thus bypasslower courts) to issue awrit ofactual innocence. The petition must claim that the petitioner is actually innocent of the crime for which he or she was convicted, set out an exact description of the humanbiological orDNA evidence and testing supporting his or her innocence, and explain that the evidence was not available when the petitioner was convicted. The Supreme Court may dismiss or grant the petition and may overturn or modify theconviction after it considers the petition and the Commonwealth's response, the previous records of the case, and other evidence it may require.
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
 Yes | 1,091,828 | 72.71 |
| No | 409,807 | 27.29 |
| Total votes | 1,501,635 | 100.00 |
| Source:- Official Results | ||
The proposed amendment authorizeslocal governments in the state to create atax exemption for certain properties by an ordinance and eliminates the need for action by the General Assembly. The amendment provides that the local governing body may adopt an ordinance to exempt property "used by its owner for religious, charitable, patriotic, historical, benevolent, cultural, or public park and playground purposes." The General Assembly continues to have authority to enact laws setting out restrictions and conditions on these tax exemptions.
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 964,441 | 64.32 |
| No | 534,956 | 35.68 |
| Total votes | 1,499,397 | 100.00 |
| Source:- Official Results | ||
The Educational Facilities Act allows the Commonwealth to sell a maximum of $900,488,645dollars in bonds for the purpose of raising funds to pay for capital projects atstate-supported colleges,universities,museums and other educational facilities.
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 1,126,932 | 72.88 |
| No | 419,423 | 27.12 |
| Total votes | 1,546,355 | 100.00 |
| Source:- Official Results | ||
The Parks and Recreational Facilities Act allows the Commonwealth to sell a maximum of $119,040,000dollars in bonds for the purpose of raising funds to pay for capital projects atstate-supported parks and recreational facilities.
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 1,051,393 | 68.79 |
| No | 477,058 | 31.21 |
| Total votes | 1,528,451 | 100.00 |
| Source:- Official Results | ||
