Del. Greg Habeeb amendment restores felons voting rights

Del. Greg Habeeb at Roanoke City’s Legislative Meeting with City Council.

RICHMOND, VA – Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced Wednesday night their support of restoration of rights legislation pending before the Virginia General Assembly. Delegate Greg Habeeb (R-Salem) thanked Governor McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli for their support of the idea and urged the General Assembly to pass a constitutional amendment creating a process for the automatic restoration of rights for non-violent offenders.

“Tonight in the State of the Commonwealth Address, Governor Bob McDonnell endorsed a legislative concept I introduced to automatically restore the civil rights of non-violent felons,” said Habeeb. “I am pleased to say that Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli also supports this idea. I very much appreciate the willingness of Governor McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli to take a stand on this important issue, and look forward to working with him to pass a bill that will restore the rights of non-violent offenders.”

“Simply put, we believe in second chances,” Habeeb added. “I have introduced a constitutional amendment which would automatically restore voting rights for non-violent felony offenders who have completed their sentence, including any probation or parole, and paid any and all fines or restitution as required by their conviction.

“For too long, Virginia has relied on a burdensome and inefficient restoration of rights process that has prevented individuals from becoming productive members of society after completing their sentence. By providing for a process for the automatic restoration of rights, we can help these individuals become good citizens who make our Commonwealth a better place. The scars of past failures should not hinder a willing person from returning and contributing to society. This is about our belief in justice, fairness and opportunity.

“This matters to a great number of Virginians and is an issue that ignores geography, demographics and political persuasion. I would like to thank Governor McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli for their leadership. Governor McDonnell has improved the restoration of rights process a great deal. I appreciate his support for this idea and look forward to working with him, the Attorney General and all members of the General Assembly to pass this legislation.”