Abortion, gay marriage: 4 constitutional amendments approved by Virginia Legislature
4. Giving felons the right to vote upon release from prison
The Virginia House of Delegates approved House Joint Resolution 2 in a 65-33 vote on Jan. 14, while the Virginia Senate passed it in a 21-18 vote on Jan. 16. Nearly all support for the measure came from Democrats, with only one Republican in the House of Delegates breaking from his party to support it.
The proposed constitutional amendment would clarify that felons “shall be invested with all political rights, including the right to vote” after “release from incarceration for that felony conviction.” Under the current language in the Virginia Constitution, felons can only have their voting rights restored with the approval of the governor.
Now that the measure has been passed in two consecutive legislative sessions, it will head to voters for approval.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
