The office of Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Monday the process for non-violent felons to restore their voting and civil rights upon paying off all fines and restitution, completion of time served and meeting all other court-ordered conditions.
The new rules apply to anyone convicted of a non-violent felony in a Virginia court, a U.S. District Court, military court or a court of another state or territory. The restoration of rights is only applicable to those who have completed time served and have been released from probation and parole. They may not have any felony charges pending.
“When people commit crimes, they must be punished in accordance with the law,” McDonnell said in a news release. “But once they have served their time and fully paid for their crimes, they should be given an opportunity to return to their lives as full participants in our society.”
McDonnell announced May 29 that he would institute an automatic restoration of rights process within the confines of Virginia law.
Effective July 15, the felons may contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office by calling 855-575-9177 or by visiting this website after Aug. 1.
The Department of Corrections began notifying people who would be eligible for the program upon their release in May. Felons who have been out of the justice system for many years may call the hotline to explore the restoration of their rights.
A news release from McDonnell’s office said the majority of statutory burglary and breaking and entering offenses are non-violent crimes, but those that include the intent to cause serious bodily harm or entering with a deadly weapon will not be eligible for the program.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office has added four additional staffers to help implement the program. The office will send on a weekly basis the names of those who have had their rights restored to the State Board of Elections.
