Voting rights restoration for felons
Democratic-led priorities in the 2026 session included a constitutional amendment path on automatic voting rights restoration for people with felony convictions. Separate coverage notes Virginia voters are set to decide whether voting rights should be restored for convicted felons, making the issue an active ballot and legislative question for the Commonwealth.
Should Virginia automatically restore voting rights for people with felony convictions?
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Sources
Virginia General Assembly (Democratic majority) — https://www.williamsmullen.com/insights/news/legal-news/general-assembly-hot-topic-bills-end-2026-virginia-legislative-session
This session saw an intense focus on Democratic-led priorities including constitutional amendments legalizing same-sex marriage, reproductive rights, and automatic voting rights restoration for felons.
WDBJ7 — https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/06/20/virginia-lawmakers-release-state-budget-details
Virginia Voters to Decide If Voting Rights Should Be Restored for Convicted Felons
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Automatically restore voting rights upon release from prison, including while on parole or probation.
- Automatically restore voting rights after full completion of sentence, including parole and probation.
- Restore voting rights automatically after a waiting period following sentence completion.
- Require a formal application process for rights restoration rather than automatic restoration.
- Oppose automatic restoration; the Governor should review each case individually as the current system allows.