Governor Spanberger Restores Voting Rights to 66,000 Virginians

Governor Abigail Spanberger announced on July 31, 2026, that her administration has restored voting rights, jury service, and the ability to run for public office to 66,085 formerly incarcerated Virginians. This action reverses the policy of former Governor Glenn Youngkin, who utilized a case-by-case review system to restore rights to fewer than 10,000 individuals during his tenure.

To achieve these restorations, the Spanberger administration reestablished a streamlined online application process, implemented proactive outreach, and removed requirements for applicants to prove they had paid all fines, fees, and restitution. The restored rights also include the ability to become a notary public. These changes come seven weeks before early voting begins on September 18 for the November 3 midterm elections.

Spanberger described the current discretionary system as a "shameful relic of our Jim Crow past" and urged citizens to support a constitutional amendment on the November ballot. This referendum would make the restoration of voting rights automatic upon the completion of a felony sentence, removing the governor's discretionary role. The NAACP Virginia State Conference commended the move, noting that it challenges disenfranchisement provisions dating back to the state's 1902 constitution.

Separately, Virginia has paused the removal of noncitizen voters from registration rolls for 90 days prior to the federal elections following a court settlement with the Campaign Legal Center.