Governor Spanberger Restores Voting Rights to Over 66,000 Virginians

Governor Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) announced on July 31, 2026, that she has restored voting rights to 66,085 Virginians with felony convictions since taking office. Virginia's constitution permanently strips voting rights from convicted felons, making them ineligible to vote or serve on a jury after completing their prison sentences, unless the governor restores their rights. Spanberger's approach contrasts with that of her predecessor, Republican Glenn Youngkin, who restored voting rights to fewer than 10,000 individuals during his term and required felons to apply individually for restoration. Spanberger criticized Youngkin's policies, stating that they undermined the automatic restoration system used by previous governors. In her statement, Spanberger emphasized the importance of voting rights for all Virginians. A spokesperson for Youngkin defended his administration's approach, highlighting the individual assessment process for restoration. Spanberger's announcement coincides with an upcoming referendum in November, where voters will decide on a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to felons upon their release from prison.