The action, which Mr. McAuliffe said was justified under an expansive legal interpretation of his executive clemency authority, goes far beyond what other governors have done, experts say, and will almost certainly provoke a backlash from Virginia Republicans, who have resisted measures to expand felons’ voting rights. It was planned in secrecy, and came amid an intensifying national debate over race, voting and the criminal justice system.So "executive clemency" gives the governor power to suspend the state constitution?
I know nothing about the use of gubernatorial clemency in Virginia. Is there precedent for this?
Nope, he's breaking new ground here.
Will allow felons to hold public office, as well.