On Tuesday, June 25, 2013 the United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that Section 4 of the Voter Rights Act of 1965 is invalid in Shelby County v. Holder. Section 4 is the provision of the law that desginates which parts of the country must have changes to their voting law cleared by the federal government. Virginia is one of the states which falls under this Section for minority discriminatory practices in voting.
Virginia has an election every year which means the peoples’ voice should be heard on issues of healthcare, education, civil rights, justice, jobs and medicare. Every aspect of your life is decided on at the “stroke of a vote”.
Register to vote, check your voter status or candidates on the ballot for the general election, by visiting the Virginia State Board of Elections.
Who qualifies for restoration of rights?
If you have lost the right to vote as a result of a felony conviction in a Virginia court, a U.S. District or a military court, you must have your rights restored in order to qualify for voter registration. The restoration of rights restores the rights to vote, to run for and hold public office, to serve on juries and to serve as a notary public. It does not include the right to possess or transport any firearm or to carry a concealed weapon.
In order to be eligible for restoration of rights by the Governor, an applicant must:
- Must be a resident of Virginia, and/or have been convicted of a felony in a Virginia court, a U.S. District court or a military court
- be free from any sentence served or supervised probation and parole for a minimum of two years for a non-violent offense or five years for a violent felony or drug distribution, drug manufacturing offense, any crimes against a minor, or an election law offense.
- have paid all court costs, fines, penalties and restitution and have no felony or misdemeanor charges pending.
- not have had a DWI in the five years immediately preceding the application.
- Not have any misdemeanor convictions and/or pending criminal charges 2 years preceding the application for non-violent felonies or five years for a violent felony or drug distribution, drug manufacturing offense, any crimes against a minor, or an election law offense.
For information on requesting a copy of your criminal history record and criteria for restoration of rights, please visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Join Miss Community Cloovia at the “VoterRegistration, Education and Restoration of Rights” rally on Friday, July 5, 10am-7pm in Richmond, Virginia. Please bring your sentencing orders and proof that all fines/restitution have been paid- in- full. The Rolling for Freedom Project will provide assistance with the restoration of rights process. Brought to you by the Rolling for Freedom Project and Radio One Inc. Venue to be announced.
The Rolling for Freedom Project will get you election-day ready. Thanks in advance for your support. Miss Community Cloovia
Follow me on twitter: @communityclo
Facebook fan page: Clovia Lawrence, public figure
Virginia voters will elect a new governor in 2013.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General (4-year term)
House of Delegates (100) (2-year term)
Cities:
4-year terms:
*Commonwealth’s Attorney
*Sheriff
*Commissioner of Revenue
*Treasurer
Counties:
4-year terms:
Board of Supervisors (55 counties)
School Board (50 counties)
City Council (3 city)
(terms vary-set by Charter)
City School Board (3 city)
(terms vary-set by Charter)
Town Council (11 towns)
(terms vary-set up Charter)
