Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The Virginia NAACP is calling changes made by Governor Glenn Younkin to the rights restoration procedure a step backwards. Youngkin's office is requiring people with felony convictions to apply for their rights back. Since the McDonnell Administration, there has been at least partial automatic rights restoration for people with non-violent convictions.
Virginia NAACP President Robert N. Barnette, Jr. issued the following statement today: “The significant reduction of restoring felons’ rights to vote is a step backward and undoes the previous work that granted thousands of Virginians who served their time a second chance.” Virginia and Kentucky are the only states that permanently deny voting rights to those who have been convicted of a crime.
In response, the Governor's Office said: "The Governor firmly believes in the importance of second chances for Virginians who have made mistakes but are working to move forward as active members of our citizenry. The Constitution places the responsibility to consider Virginians for restoration in the hands of the Governor alone, and he does not take this lightly. Restoration of rights are assessed on an individual basis according to the law and take into consideration the unique elements of each situation, practicing grace for those who need it and ensuring public safety for our community and families."
