CWA: Voting Rights Change is Good First Step in Virginia

Washington, D.C. -- The Communications Workers of America issued this statement on the restoration of voting rights for people with non-violent felony convictions in Virginia.

The statement by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell that he will automatically grant, on an individualized basis, voting rights to people with non-violent felony offenses upon completion of their sentences is a good first step to properly expanding the vote to some 100,000 Virginians.

Thirty-nine states already automatically restore voting rights to felons when they are released, eliminating the requirement that an individual must directly petition the governor to have his or her voting rights restored. We hope Virginia will continue to move forward to fully safeguard the right to vote for all citizens.

CWA is proud to work with the NAACP and our other partners in expanding voter registration and fighting against policies that disenfranchise too many citizens.

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