Virginia is one of few states that permanently restrict returning citizens from voting unless they directly petition the Governor. Virginia has been haunted by this Jim Crow effort to suppress the African American vote since the late 1800s and has remained home to some of the highest rates of felony disenfranchisement in the nation.

Virginia’s Constitution permanently strips Virginians convicted of a felony of their right to vote, hold public office, become a notary public, and carry a firearm. Governors of both parties have historically worked to restore voting rights, but in recent years Governor Youngkin has decided to set up a process that lacks transparency. As a result, Youngkin has restored rights to approximately 4,000 returning citizens, compared to over 200,000 people under the previous administration.

We have a chance to change this system, but we need your help. Voters have the ability to amend the Virginia Constitution. In order to do that, we need to pass the amendment through two consecutive legislative sessions, which will trigger a public amendment process where voters have the final say.

This is our chance to overturn centuries of discrimination and the violation of our citizens’ civil rights. Please join us by signing our petition and/or signing up to volunteer on the campaign.