Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Governor Ralph Northam has announced that he's restored the civil rights of 69,000 previously incarcerated Virginians. The Governor did so by changing eligibility criteria, so that everyone who is released is eligible, regardless if they still have community supervision.
Northam's move comes ahead of a proposed Constitutional amendment, which would automatically restore rights upon release. The amendment is still working its way through the General Assembly.
Northam took a shot at several other states in making the announcement, pointing out that while some legislatures are tightening their voting rules, Virginia is expanding the electorate.