faithfully support the
Constitution and obey the laws of the United States, and will, to the
best of my ability, encourage others so to do, so help me God;" which
oath or affirmation may be administered by any registering officer.

SEC. 2. That after the completion of the registration hereby provided
for in any State, at such time and places therein as the commanding
general shall appoint and direct, of which at least thirty days' public
notice shall be given, an election shall be held of delegates to a
convention for the purpose of establishing a constitution and civil
government for such State loyal to the Union, said convention in each
State, except Virginia, to consist of the same number of members as the
most numerous branch of the State legislature of such State in the year
eighteen hundred and sixty, to be apportioned among the several
districts, counties, or parishes of such State by the commanding
general, giving to each representation in the ratio of voters
registered as aforesaid, as nearly as may be. The convention in
Virginia shall consist of the same number of members as represented
the territory now constituting Virginia in the most numerous branch of
the legislature of said State in the year eighteen hundred and sixty,
to be apportioned as aforesaid.

SEC. 3. That at said election the registered voters of each State
shall vote for or against a convention to form a constitution therefor
under this act. Those voting in favor of such a convention shall have
written or printed on the ballots by which they vote for delegates, as
aforesaid, the words "For a convention," and those voting against such
a convention shall have written or printed on such ballots the words
"Against a convention." The person appointed to superintend said
election, and to make return of the votes given thereat, as herein
provided, shall count and make return of the votes given for and
against a convention; and the commanding general to whom the same
shall have been returned shall ascertain and declare the total vote in
each State for and against a convention. If a majority of the votes
given on that question shall be for a convention, then such convention
shall be held as hereinafter provided; but if a majority of said votes
shall be against a convention, then no such convention shall be held
under this act: _Provided_, That such convention shall not be held
unless a majority of all such registered voters shall have voted on t