Felony Voting Guidance Narrows Bars After Court Says State Lagged Egregiously

Virginia’s Department of Elections now says nonincarcerated residents lose the vote only for murder or manslaughter, implementing a federal Readmission Act ruling the ACLU won.

A federal judge rebuked the state for lagging “egregiously” after January’s order, following months of conflict with Attorney General Jay Jones’ office over which modern crimes mapped to 1870 common-law felonies.

The ACLU estimates about 90% of roughly 250,000 people previously sidelined by broad felony rules could regain eligibility — a shift with immediate midterm stakes as early voting starts Sept. 18.

A November constitutional amendment would go further by restoring rights automatically after prison if voters approve it.