Nonviolent felons in Virginia may soon have their voting rights automatically restored if Republican Governor Bob McDonnell’s proposal passes.
In January, Virginia House of Delegates killed Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposal to automatically restore voting rights for non-violent felons when they have completed their sentences. Virginia currently prohibits all felons from voting unless they are granted clemency from the governor after a two-year waiting period.
However, McDonnell will be taking action to streamline this process and remove the application process entirely. He is in the final year of his four-year term, and due to Virginia laws, cannot govern for two consecutive terms. Though he has restored voting rights to a record number of citizens, he is looking to make a more lasting impression with an executive order that will last even after he is out of office.
“If a person repays their debt to society, should not Virginia fully move and be among the ranks of the 46 other states in this great country we call America [and permit that person to vote]?” asked Jesse Frierson, executive director of the Virginia Alliance Against Mass Incarceration. “To say ‘nonviolent only’ continues to keep Virginia in that dubious few with such onerous laws.”
Under Virginia’s classifications, drug distribution is a violent felony and those convicted would never be able to vote in the state again. McDonnell, who has been lauded by progressives for his stand on the issue, may not have a perfect solution, but the House of Delegates also shot down Democratic Delegate Betsy Carr’s proposal to automatically restore voting rights for all felons who have served their sentence. With less than a year left of his term, McDonnell hopes to at least make this small change that could open the doors for all felons in the future to have their voting rights restored, regardless of the crime.
Photo: J. Pat Carter/AP
