Va. Code § 24.2-118: Appointments when officers fail to serve

If an officer of election is absent or unable to serve and the polls have been open for one hour, the remaining officers of election shall appoint a substitute officer of election for the precinct. The substitute officer shall possess the same qualifications and, after taking the requisite oath, have the same powers as officers appointed by an electoral board.Code 1950, § 24-197; 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-108; 1993, c. 641.