Virginia Code Title 24.2. Elections § 24.2-665. How paper ballots counted

A. When the number of paper ballots to be counted has been verified, the officers shall proceed to ascertain the number of votes cast by paper ballots for each person and for and against each question.  The votes on all ballots for all offices and questions shall be counted.  As soon as all ballots are counted, they shall be placed in an envelope or container labeled “counted ballots.”  No person other than the officers of the election shall handle the ballots.

B. Only an official ballot prepared as provided for in this title shall be counted.  If any unofficial ballot is found among the official ballots, the unofficial ballot shall be put aside, not counted and appropriately noted on the statement of results.