NAACP Applauds Spanberger’s Voting Rights Restoration

RICHMOND, VA 

The NAACP Virginia State Conference has released a statement commending Governor Abigail Spanberger for restoring voting rights to more than 66,000 Virginians.

Gov. Spanberger announced on July 31 that since taking office in January, her administration has restored the right to vote for 66,085 Virginians who were formerly incarcerated.

Virginia is one of three states with a constitution that permanently disenfranchises citizens with past felony convictions — leaving restoration of rights entirely to the Governor’s discretion. The civil rights restored by Governor Spanberger include the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for public office, and become a notary public.

“Governor Spanberger’s decision to restore voting rights to more than 66,000 Virginians reflects the moral courage and leadership our Commonwealth deserves,” said Rev. Cozy Bailey, President, NAACP Virginia State Conference. 

“Voting is a fundamental right of citizenship – and every Virginian who has returned to their community deserves that right fully restored.”

Bailey added, “The NAACP urges every Virginia voter to vote YES on the Voting Rights Constitutional Amendment for Automatic Restoration of Rights on November 3rd and make this permanent. Early voting begins September 18th.”

Until 2022, Virginia Governors of both parties worked to streamline the restoration of rights for Virginians. While Governor Youngkin inherited a streamlined system, his administration gutted that process. Upon taking office, the Spanberger Administration reestablished processes to both review applications and proactively identify — and restore the rights of — Virginians who have lost their right to vote.

“The right to vote is foundational to who we are as Americans. As a Member of Congress, as a candidate for Governor, and in the months since I took office, I have heard from many Virginians who have shared their personal stories of redemption with me — and heartfelt reflections of the moment their voting rights were restored by previous Governors,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. 

“I’m proud that — after contending with my predecessor’s efforts to deny Virginians their fundamental rights — we have restored the rights of more than 66,000 Virginians who have served their time. These Virginians deserve the right to use their vote, make their voices heard, and be recognized as contributing citizens to our Commonwealth and country.”

This fall, Virginians will have the opportunity to vote in a referendum on a constitutional amendment that would allow Virginians convicted of felonies to automatically regain their voting rights upon their release from incarceration. 

“By giving these Virginians back their ability to make an impact at the local, state, and national levels, we are empowering our neighbors to take hold of their second chance,” said Governor Spanberger. “This fall, voters can cast their ballots for Virginia to no longer strip so many of our neighbors of their fundamental rights — a shameful relic of our Jim Crow past. I hope Virginians will join me in voting yes.”

Early voting begins on September 18, 2026. Election Day is November 3, 2026. For additional information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website.