Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) announced Saturday that her administration has restored voting rights and other civil rights to 66,085 Virginians with prior felony convictions since taking office in January.
The announcement, issued by the Governor’s Office, marks a significant shift in Virginia’s approach to restoring civil rights for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Virginia is one of only three states whose constitution permanently disenfranchises individuals convicted of felonies unless the governor restores those rights.
Under the restoration process, eligible Virginians regain the right to vote, serve on juries, run for public office and become notaries public.
Prior to 2022, governors from both political parties had taken steps to streamline the restoration process. Former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin later transitioned the system to a case-by-case application review, with fewer than 10,000 rights restorations occurring during his administration before leaving office in January 2026.
After taking office, Spanberger reinstated procedures designed to review applications and proactively identify Virginians eligible to have their civil rights restored.
Her administration also eliminated a requirement implemented during the Youngkin administration that required applicants to verify they had paid all fines, fees and restitution before being considered for restoration.
“The right to vote is foundational to who we are as Americans,” Spanberger said in a statement announcing the restorations.
“As a Member of Congress, as a candidate for Governor, and in the months since I took office, I have heard from many Virginians who have shared their personal stories of redemption with me — and heartfelt reflections of the moment their voting rights were restored by previous Governors.”
“I’m proud that — after contending with my predecessor’s efforts to deny Virginians their fundamental rights — we have restored the rights of more than 66,000 Virginians who have served their time,” she added.
Spanberger said restoring civil rights allows individuals who have completed their sentences to participate fully in civic life.
“These Virginians deserve the right to use their vote, make their voices heard, and be recognized as contributing citizens to our Commonwealth and country,” she said.
“By giving these Virginians back their ability to make an impact at the local, state, and national levels, we are empowering our neighbors to take hold of their second chance.”
The governor also urged voters to support a proposed constitutional amendment appearing on Virginia’s ballot this fall.
The amendment would automatically restore voting rights to individuals convicted of felonies once they are released from incarceration, removing the governor’s discretionary role in the process, per Trending Politics.
Spanberger described Virginia’s current system as “a shameful relic of our Jim Crow past.”
“I hope Virginians will join me in voting yes,” she said.
The announcement comes ahead of Virginia’s midterm election cycle, with early voting scheduled to begin Sept. 18.
If approved by voters, the constitutional amendment would permanently change Virginia’s restoration process by granting automatic voting rights upon release from incarceration. Supporting legislation has already advanced but would take effect only if the amendment is ratified by voters.
