Virginia remains one of only a handful of states where individuals convicted of felonies do not automatically regain their civil rights after completing their sentences. Instead, the Virginia Constitution gives the governor broad authority to determine whether those rights should be restored.
The restored rights extend beyond voting. Eligible individuals also regain the ability to serve on juries, seek elected office, and become notaries public, restoring privileges that many states automatically return after incarceration ends.
Spanberger’s administration quickly reversed several policies put in place by former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who required applications to be reviewed individually rather than approving restorations through broader administrative processes.
Youngkin’s administration also required applicants to certify that all court-ordered fines, fees, and restitution had been paid before their requests could move forward. Spanberger eliminated that requirement shortly after taking office while directing state officials to proactively identify individuals who qualify for restoration.
The change represents a dramatic shift in philosophy from the previous administration. While governors from both political parties had streamlined the process before 2022, Youngkin argued that each case deserved an individual review. During his four-year term, fewer than 10,000 restorations were approved.
Spanberger celebrated the announcement by framing the move as both a constitutional and moral issue.
“The right to vote is foundational to who we are as Americans. 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,” Spanberger boasted in an announcement.
She continued by arguing that restoring civil rights strengthens communities and encourages civic participation.
“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 added.
The governor also connected the effort to a broader political campaign aimed at changing Virginia’s constitution.
“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. This fall, voters can cast their ballots for Virginia to no longer strip so many of our neighbors of their fundamental rights — a shameful relic of our Jim Crow past. I hope Virginians will join me in voting yes.”
The announcement comes only weeks before early voting begins on September 18, when Virginians will begin casting ballots in the upcoming midterm elections. Among the measures voters will consider is a constitutional amendment that could permanently change how voting rights are restored in the Commonwealth.
If voters approve the amendment, Virginians convicted of felonies would automatically regain their voting rights once they are released from incarceration, significantly reducing the governor’s role in the restoration process. The General Assembly has already advanced legislation that would implement the new system if the constitutional amendment receives voter approval.
The issue has long divided lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters argue that individuals who have completed their prison sentences deserve a meaningful opportunity to fully reenter society, including participation in elections. Opponents have argued that governors should carefully evaluate each request individually rather than granting broad restorations, particularly in cases involving serious criminal offenses.
Spanberger’s latest action ensures that tens of thousands of additional Virginians will be eligible to participate in this fall’s elections while voters simultaneously decide whether future governors should continue holding the power to restore those rights individually or whether the process should become automatic under Virginia’s Constitution.
