In victory for democracy, Virginia voters restore voting rights for ex-offenders

In a resounding pro-democracy victory, Virginians approved a ballot measure that automatically restores voting rights for anyone convicted of a felony once they complete their sentence.

The state constitutional amendment also establishes for the first time a fundamental right to vote for anyone who meets the state’s voter qualifications. When the Associated Press called the victory on Tuesday night, the measure had support from nearly 55% of voters.

The election result caps a years-long fight over how best to reinstate the right to vote for people convicted of a felony who complete their sentence. Virginia had one of the harshest felony disenfranchisement laws in the country, one that disproportionately impacted Black voters. 

Roughly one out of every 10 Black Virginians who are eligible to vote had been prohibited from doing so due to a felony-level conviction, according to The Sentencing Project, a research and advocacy group.

Previously, those convicted of a felony lost the right to vote in Virginia unless they successfully petitioned the governor to have it restored. Restoration rates fell under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), but current Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) restored voting rights to 100,000 people since she entered office. 

A federal judge earlier this year found that Virginia’s constitution unlawfully stripped voting rights far beyond what Congress allowed when it readmitted the state to the Union after the Civil War. The judge significantly narrowed the list of disenfranchising felonies from more than 1,000 to just three: murder, voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. 

Virginia lawmakers approved the ballot measure for this November’s election back in January, putting the issue directly to voters.

“These are important decisions, and I encourage every eligible Virginia voter to make their voices heard at the ballot box,” Spanberger said in a statement on Election Day. “At a time when chaos and uncertainty continue to dominate our national politics, we can send a clear message about the future we want to build — one grounded in accountability, steady leadership, and a commitment to delivering for people.”