I always hear that Felons should get their Rights reinstated once they paid their debt to society.
People with Misdemeanors pay their debt to society, but being a Felon is a whole different issue. The fact that you are a convicted Felon means punishment far above those imposed with a misdemeanor conviction.
Loss of Voting Rights and the Right to Bear Arms have always been what separated the two. I was taught this as a Child. When did the rules change?
Almost all states do reinstate voting rights to felons after they comply with terms of the judgment against them, but on a case by case basis.
The Virginia problem is really abuse of the intention of state law.
I hate the way he did this....but I agree that if you have done your time and are not on probation or parole you should get all your rights back.
Though I feel the responsibility rests on the citizen to follow up with the restoration process.
I also do not assume that most convicts are democrats. Most AA ones probably are, but many white convicts are right leaning for sure.