Virginia has officially ended its lifetime voting ban for individuals with felony convictions, allowing them to regain voting rights immediately upon release. This change, approved by voters, addresses a historical law that disproportionately affected Black citizens. Despite this progress, unhoused voters continue to face significant challenges in accessing the ballot, including strict registration requirements and logistical barriers. The amendment reflects ongoing efforts to enhance voting accessibility in the state.
Key facts
- Virginia voters approved an amendment restoring voting rights to felons upon release.
- The amendment passed by over 10 percentage points with 96.8% of votes counted.
- Virginia's lifetime ban on voting was enacted in 1902 and disproportionately affected Black voters.
- Over a quarter of a million Virginians were previously blocked from voting due to this law.
- Former Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin reinstated the ban in 2023.
A short AI summary in our own words. The reporting belongs to Mother Jones; we don't reproduce it.