Website helps felons restore voting rights

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - One year ago, the voting rights of thousands of felons in Virginia were restored, and now Governor McAuliffe's administration is asking others to do the same.

The state launched a new website called Restoration of Rights, which provides resources for people getting their lives back on track, such as transition, job assistance, and how to regain voting rights.

The website provides resources for people getting their lives back on track, such as transition, job assistance, and how to regain voting rights, according to Governor McAuliffe's administration.

"April 22, 2016, remains my proudest day as Governor of Virginia," said Governor McAuliffe in a press release. "This has been an uphill battle in many ways, and we would not have succeeded without the civil servants and community leaders who have worked tirelessly to give these Virginians a voice. On the anniversary of this important milestone, the stories of the men and women whose lives have been changed over the past year are a real inspiration to continue the fight to open our democracy to Virginians who reenter society in search of a second chance."

On April 22, 2016, he signed an order to restore voting and civil rights to eligible Virginians. The initial order was rejected in July, but Governor McAuliffe then announced on Aug. 22, 2016 his process for restoring rights to felons on a case-by-case basis.

Governor McAuliffe has restored the rights of 152,694 Virginians to date, according to his administration.

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