‘Historic Day for Democracy’: Voting Rights Restored for over 200,000 Virginians
(COMMON DREAMS) Andrea Germanos, April 22, 2016 — Civil rights organizations are applauding Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s order on Friday restoring voting rights to roughly 200,000 Virginians by eliminating what they call a “vestige of our nation’s Jim Crow past.”
Using his authority allowed by the state’s constitution, the governor’s Restoration of Rights order allows convicted felons who’ve served their time and finished any required supervised release, parole or probation, to be able to vote, as well as be able to run for office, serve on a jury, or be a notary public.
“It is a historic day for democracy in Virginia—and across our nation,” said Tram Nguyen, co-executive director of the New Virginia Majority.