Virginia Gov Spanberger Restores Voting Rights to More Than 66,000 Felons
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) announced Saturday that her administration has restored voting rights and other civil rights to 66,085 Virginians with prior felony convictions since taking office in January.
The announcement, issued by the Governor’s Office, marks a significant shift in Virginia’s approach to restoring civil rights for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Virginia is one of only three states whose constitution permanently disenfranchises individuals convicted of felonies unless the governor restores those rights.
Under the restoration process, eligible Virginians regain the right to vote, serve on juries, run for public office and become notaries public.
Prior to 2022, governors from both political parties had taken steps to streamline the restoration process. Former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin later transitioned the system to a case-by-case application review, with fewer than 10,000 rights restorations occurring during his administration before leaving office in January 2026.
After taking office, Spanberger reinstated procedures designed to review applications and proactively identify Virginians eligible to have their civil rights restored.
Her administration also eliminated a requirement implemented during the Youngkin administration that required applicants to verify they had paid all fines, fees and restitution before being considered for restoration.
Good. Why shouldn't people who have paid their debt to society be allowed to vote again? And Virginia is only rejoining the other 47 states who don't disenfranchinse former felons.
You even said it yourself
Virginia is one of only three states whose constitution permanently disenfranchises individuals convicted of felonies unless the governor restores those rights.
@Waveney "Her administration also eliminated a requirement implemented during the Youngkin administration that required applicants to verify they had paid all fines, fees and restitution before being considered for restoration."
@sunsporter1649 I don't decide who gets to vote. But at least those were ex-criminals, unlike the January 6th felons who hadn't finished their sentence yet. You still refusing to even acknowledge those tells me everything I need to know: you have no issue with ciminals voting. You just want to suppress democratic votes. Have a good day.
@NerdyPotato "Her administration also eliminated a requirement implemented during the Youngkin administration that required applicants to verify they had paid all fines, fees and restitution before being considered for restoration."
