Governor Glenn Youngkin restored the rights of 800 more Virginians, approving the restorations last week in time to vote in the upcoming election.
“Second chances are essential to ensuring Virginians who have made mistakes are able to move forward toward a successful future. I am proud of the efforts made by these formerly incarcerated Virginians to regain their civil rights,” Governor Glenn Youngkin said in the Friday announcement. “I applaud those who have committed to starting fresh with renewed values and a will to positively contribute to our society.”
Virginia doesn’t automatically restore felons’ voting rights once they have completed their sentence. Democrats started work on a constitutional amendment in 2021. The bill they passed would have automatically restored voting rights to felons once released from prison. However, the amendment needed to be passed again this year before going to Virginia voters in a referendum. The new Republican House of Delegates majority declined to advance the bill in 2022; future attempts to pass the amendment will have to start over, passing out of the General Assembly two years before going to a referendum.
To have civil rights restored, Virginians must apply to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. To have firearms rights restored, Virginians need to contact their circuit court for their civil rights are restored.
In May, Youngkin announced the restoration of civil rights to 3,496 Virginians.
“Civil rights are fundamental to active participation in one’s government,” Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James said. “Governor Youngkin strongly believes in the grace of second chances, and our team has given personal consideration to each approved candidate. We are committed to continuing our strong efforts for the fair consideration of all applicants.”
State Senator Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax) tweeted Friday, “Thank you @GlennYoungkin for restoring the rights of Virginians who have served their time and demonstrated their rehabilitation.”
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Glenn Youngkin” by Governor of Virginia.
