Virginia is moving forward in so many aspects, but it refuses to move forward on one important issue: restoration of voting rights for former felons.
It simply does not work to argue that this is a form of continuing punishment for individuals convicted of a felony. They have paid their debts to society, waited the required amount of time and wish to be full participating members of our society. It is a shame that citizens who wish to vote are hindered by this historic law that disenfranchises so many Virginians.
So finally I ask: Why is it so difficult to grant people a right that should already be theirs?
– Letter from Morgan Chiti, Richmond
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