“...Virginia is one of three states that strips convicted felons of their right to vote...”
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That is simply not true.
Most states do that until completion of their sentence.
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https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/felon-voting-rights
BRAVE AI:
Yes, Virginia is one of only three U.S. states where the constitution permanently disenfranchises all individuals with felony convictions unless the governor individually restores their voting rights. The other two states with similar restrictions are Iowa and Kentucky, though both have recently moved toward automatic restoration for most cases via executive orders.
Recent Legal Changes: On January 22, 2026, a federal judge ruled that Virginia’s blanket disenfranchisement violates the Virginia Readmission Act of 1870, which limits voting loss to only those crimes considered felonies at common law in 1870 (e.g., murder, rape, arson). As a result, Virginians convicted of modern felonies not on that 1870 list—such as many drug offenses—have had their voting rights automatically restored without needing gubernatorial action.
Restoration Process: Prior to the 2026 ruling, governors like Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam used executive authority to restore rights en masse, while Glenn Youngkin shifted to a stricter case-by-case review. In 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger restored rights for over 66,000 felons early in her term. A constitutional amendment to make restoration automatic upon release from incarceration passed the General Assembly in February 2026 and will face a voter referendum in November 2026.
AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts.