Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger restores voting rights to 66,000 former felons

Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger announced that her administration has restored voting rights for more than 66,000 Virginians with felony convictions. The restoration uses a streamlined online system that removes the extra questions added under the previous administration of Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, who restored fewer than 10,000 rights during his four‑year term.

Virginia’s constitution automatically strips voting rights from convicted felons, but the governor can individually restore them. Spanberger said, “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.” The move comes as the state prepares for a November referendum on a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore voting rights once felons are released.

Youngkin’s spokesperson defended the prior policy, noting the governor’s responsibility to consider each case for public safety, but Spanberger criticized it as having “gutted” the earlier streamlined process.