After last week’s glaring omission of slavery from his Confederate History Month proclamation, Gov. Bob McDonnell has once again taken a swipe at those Virginians working toward parity, equality, and enfranchisement in the Commonwealth. Today, citizens across Virginia learned that Gov. McDonnell has added yet another step on the long road to restoration of voting rights, requiring nonviolent felons to submit an essay describing their contributions to society after they have paid their dues to the community.
“Virginia is one of only two states whose Governors solely have the right to restore a felon’s right to vote,” said Sean Holihan, President of the Virginia Young Democrats. “Gov. McDonnell and the Republican Party have time and again showed the public their disinterest in seeing those that have paid their dues welcomed back into society.” The Virginia Young Democrats urge Gov. McDonnell to remove unnecessary obstacles and make restoration automatic for all who are able to apply. “Any Virginian who has committed a non-violent offense and has paid his or her debt to society deserves the basic right to vote,” said John Chapman, National Committeeman for VAYD. “We respectfully call on Gov. McDonnell to end his disenfranchising practices.”
About VAYD:
The Virginia Young Democrats is a statewide organization for Democrats under the age of 36. With 51 chapters and 10,000 members, the Virginia Young Democrats are the premiere volunteer organization for Democrats in the commonwealth. Visit vayd.org to learn more about the organization and to contribute to thousands of young Virginians seeking to make Virginia a more equitable place.
