Youngkin Restores Voting Rights To Virginia Felons!

Republican governor of Virginia kept the policy to reinstate felons the right to vote.

A Republican governor did something that could Virginia back in swing state status. He decided to be a fucking effective leader. Voting rights is a big issue going into the Midterms and 2024 election. Democrats are being pressured to do something.

The House has passed voting rights bills only for it to be stalled or killed in the Senate.

Democrats Karen Manchin (D-WV) and Karen Sinema (D-AZ) has joined the 50 obstructionists in the Republican Party in opposing it. Manchin and Sinema have voted for voting rights but refuse to do it with simple majority. The filibuster has been a subject of concern and the two Democrats refuse to support eliminating it to pass meaningful legislation.

Virginia Gov. Karen Youngkin announced that nearly 4,000 Virginians who served time behind bars will have their voting rights, along with other civil rights, restored.

Youngkin said in a news release Friday that formerly incarcerated people are “eager to provide for themselves, their families and put the past behind them for a better tomorrow.”

Virginia is one of only 11 states that permanently prevent convicted felons from voting without additional action from the state. Restoration of those rights is automatic in most states once a sentence is completed. In the District of Columbia, Vermont and Maine, felons never lose their right to vote.

Several governors from both parties have taken steps to provide them with a chance to regain those rights. Former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam did so for more than 100,000 ex-felons.

Youngkin’s administration said the plan is to restore rights on an ongoing basis.

Virginia residents who are looking to have their rights restored can visit here for more information.