Wade Henderson, executive director of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, proclaims that, prior to the Civil War, African-Americans were almost totally disenfranchised. Even after enactment of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees the right to vote, many states continued to use various methods to prevent African-Americans from voting, including literacy tests, poll taxes, the disenfranchisement of former inmates, intimidation, threats and even violence!

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a new beginning for African-American citizens. For the first time, the federal government required states to comply with the 15th Amendment. However, lifetime disenfranchisement of former felons continues today in two states: Virginia and Kentucky!

According to the Drug Policy Alliance, “The United States is the only democracy in which some people who have served their sentences can still lose their right to vote. Approximately 4.7 million people in the U.S. cannot vote because of a felony conviction.”

Of these 4.7 million people, the Commonwealth of Virginia accounts for 350,000. These convicted felons, most of whom were convicted of nonviolent offenses, are productive citizens, assets to society, are in our communities, have paid their debts to society, earned a second chance in almost all aspects of their life, yet remain disenfranchised for life. Virginians should be outraged!

Currently in Virginia, all persons convicted of a felony, regardless if the felony was a nonviolent or violent offense and received five, 10, 20 or even 40 years ago, must apply through a lengthy process directly to the governor, who has the sole discretion whether to restore their rights. If the application is denied, the applicant must wait two years to reapply.

CALL TO TAKE ACTION NOW!

The Governor has the power through executive order to restore voting rights for former felons and create a process for continuing to restore rights for others as they complete their sentences before he leaves office. Urge him to act now.

 To Send an email to the Governor, go to:

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5562/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1414

Or call the Governor at (804) 786-2211

Many civil rights organizations and faith-based advocacy groups continue to work, both legislatively and through the governor, to remove barriers to voting in Virginia faced by people with felony convictions. During the 2009 General Assembly session, several bills were proposed for the automatic restoration of voting rights. Unfortunately, all “FAILED.” Contact your state legislators  today in support of legislation for  automatic restoration of civil rights for persons with a felony.

 Until Executive Order and/or Legislative Laws are enacted,  Resource Information Help for the Disadvantaged, and many other organizations  shall continue to provide Restoration of Rights application and filing workshops throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 Restoration of Rights Application/Filing Workshop

Every Thursday (by appointment)

Call:  (804) 562-2123

Email:  rihd23075@aol.com

Location:

Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church

1720 Mechanicsville Turnpike

Richmond, Virginia 23223

(I-64 Mechanicsville Turnpike West Exit)

Virginia Eligibility Requirements:

Non-violent/**Non-drug Felonies - Short From: Has it been 3 years since conviction, release, paid all fines and restitutions? If your felony convictions did not involve charges for violence or for drug manufacturing or distribution, you may fill out the short application for the restoration of your rights. **Simply "drug possession" is included in short form. To expedite application bring original or copy with government seal criminal record, receipt/proof of paid restitution & fines, parole release (applicable).

Non-violent/Short Offense Application:

http://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/JudicialSystem/Clemency/RORShortApp2008.pdf

Violent / Drug Distribution Felonies - Long Form: Has it been 5 years since conviction, release, paid all fines and restitutions? If you have been convicted of a violent offense, a drug manufacturing or distribution offense, or an election law offense (voter fraud), you must use the longer form below to apply for restoration of rights. "Intent" drug manufacturing/distribution is considered a violent offense. Bring original or copies with government seal of criminal record, receipt/proof of paid restitution & fines, parole release. To expedite application process, no less than three(3) reference letters (e.g. employer, church, friends, community, volunteer work, etc. except family related by blood or marriage).

Violent Offense/Long Application:

http://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/JudicialSystem/Clemency/RORLongApp-2008.pdf

Additional Information Regarding Restoring Voting Rights & Clemency       

Restoration of Rights Director
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Post Office Box 2454
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2454
(804) 692-2531

http://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/JudicialSystem/Clemency/clemency.cfm

http://whoismyrepresentative.com

 http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/Voter_Information/Registering_to_Vote/Index.html