01.24.01

By Robb Crocker

A group of Democrats from the House and Senate today announced the introduction of four bills aimed at restoring voting rights to convicted felons.

The group, led by Delegate Mitch Van Yahres, D-Charlottesville, argues that the process for applying to regain the right to vote is confusing and lacks procedure. Van Yahres said a constituent in his district had his rights restored but wasn’t informed of his approval for 10 years.

"These people have the right to have their voting rights restored without problem," Van Yahres said.

Sen. Toddy Puller, D-Mount Vernon, is sponsoring a similar bill asking that former drug offenders be allowed to regain the right to vote if they have not had any convictions for a 10-year period.

"Some people broke the law when they were young," Puller said. "Too often people want to lock them up and throw away the key."

Sen. Yvonne Miller, D-Norfolk, said the current application package is too confusing. The process requires an application and an essay from the applicant in addition to three personal references. Miller said the application isn’t clear on the need for an essay from the applicant. In addition, she said there are no time limits on applying as well as no idea when a response will be made.

"In Virginia, we are unforgiving even if you satisfy to the extent of the law," Miller said. "Now we can punish you by saying, ‘You cannot apply to have your rights restored.’"

Since 1990, more than 200,000 former felons completed their sentences. Since then, the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth estimates the state receives between 350 and 700 application annually to have the right to vote restored. Thirty percent of those applications are approved.

The bills and their patrons

House Joint Resolution 582: Restoration of civil rights.

Patron: Delegate Mitch Van Yahres, D-Charlottesville

This bill requests the governor and secretary of the commonwealth to review process of restoration of civil rights to former felons and establish a committee to aid in streamlining and bringing stability to the restoration process.

House Joint Resolution 583: Constitutional amendment; restoration of right to vote for felons.

Patron: Delegate Mitch Van Yahres, D-Charlottesville

Allows the General Assembly to create a law for the restoration of civil rights to persons convicted of nonviolent felonies that have completed their sentence, probation and parole and met other conditions prescribed by law.

Senate Bill 873: Restoration of civil rights to certain former felons.

Patron: Sen. Linda T. Puller, D-Mount Vernon

Allows a former drug offender who was not required to serve jail time the option to petition to a circuit court for the restoration of the right to vote. The former felon must be free of any conviction for at least 10 years.

Senate Joint Resolution 307: Constitutional amendment; restoration of right to vote for felons.

Patron: Sen. Yvonne B. Miller, D-Norfolk

Allows the General Assembly to create a law that establishes the process of restoration of civil rights for former felons.