More applications for felons’ restoration of voting rights could be processed if a state agency were assigned that duty, says a report commissioned by Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli that is to be made public today. Applications are now processed by the governor’s staff and approved by the head of state; he’s empowered by the state Constitution “to remove political disabilities” for those who lost them because of criminal convictions. But it’s a one-at-a-time process. Gov. Bob McDonnell has sped up the system, restoring voting privileges and other civil rights to more than 4,600 citizens on his watch – a record among governors. But it’s estimated that 350,000 Virginians remain disenfranchised because of felony convictions.
Running for governor this year, Cuccinelli in March named a seven-member advisory panel to evaluate ways to improve the process.
He opposed rights restoration legislation while serving in the state Senate but said his views have evolved in the past few years.
One alternative highlighted in the committee’s report is the delegation of rights restoration duties to an existing state executive branch agency, according to a person familiar with the plan who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The final decision would remain with the governor to satisfy the state Constitution.
Full Article: Report: Va. agency should handle rights restoration | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com.
The Voting News
A News Service of the Verified Voting Foundation
