News >> Browse Articles >> Law Enforcement News
Va. Gov to Felons: Write Essay to Have Rights Restored
Stock Photo
Associated Press
April 13, 2010
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Prisoners in Virginia who want to vote again and have other civil rights restored will have to write to Gov. Bob McDonnell explaining why.
A draft proposal by McDonnell’s administration would compel felons who want their rights back to tell the governor in writing about their crime, their rehabilitation and how they’ve contributed to society since doing their time.
The American Civil Liberties Union accused the Republican governor Monday of reinstituting the literacy test on convicts, many of them with limited learning.
In Virginia, only the governor can restore felons’ rights.
Legislative efforts to give felons other ways to regain their rights have repeatedly failed.
Jonas
about 3 years ago
38364 Comments
In 2010 the distinctions between republican and democrat are blurred at best. Quite frankly it doesn't matter. All politicians care about these days are careers and agendas. What ever happened to uphold and defend the Constitution. I know LEOs vows all across America include those very words. Aren't Governor's, Legislators, Judges, and Presidents sworn to do the same. Doesn't seem so in this case!!!
Whalewatcher
about 3 years ago
9796 Comments
Don't like the subliminal message here to the convicts from the guv: Send me a nice "I'm sorry" letter, and you can have back the same rights as the law-abiding population who haven't broken the law.
luke3302
about 3 years ago
904 Comments
I like the idea. THis is not a leftist Governer. It states in the article that it is a republican Gov. and the ACLU has problems with it. The fact that the ACLU has a problem with it is enough by itself fo me to think it might be a good idea. I do think the felons should have to finish their prison term before they have any rights returned.
Anonymous
about 3 years ago
I hope the gov scans some of the letters and post them online. I need a good read.
OFFICER_K_CPD
about 3 years ago
2296 Comments
LOL sweet idea.
tstanfill63
about 3 years ago
1508 Comments
O'h my god can you imagine how hard they will be laughing when reading some of those letters.
Jonas
about 3 years ago
38364 Comments
This legislative effort needs to fail as well. People in prisons are in there for a reason. They have committed crimes. They are being PUNISHED and have LOST their rights because of their BEHAVIOR. If the Governor's intent is to actually restore rights to convicted felons, Virginia has a whopper of a problem. This leftist governor is a threat not only to VA, but all the US as well. What if the other 49 Governors start toying with this crap?? Think about it!!!
CadetAK
about 3 years ago
3448 Comments
LOL @ Alex11991
clobster
about 3 years ago
1552 Comments
Hopefully this will encourage inmates to become literate, but I have my doubts. Still, learning to read and write are essential for getting inmates on the right track once they're out of prison.
HeadShot
about 3 years ago
736 Comments
I love that the ACLU believes it wrong to encourage people to learn how to read and write. Let's just keep them uneducated and ignorant....that'll make them more willing to become law abiding citizens. The ACLU is the largest group of idiots in our society..next to the majority of politicians.
Badazz_Rebel_Cop1123
about 3 years ago
816 Comments
They shouldnt have rights to vote due to their stupidity and the place they are at!
alex11991
about 3 years ago
1998 Comments
Maybe the governor needs some amusement in office?
Baxter2
about 3 years ago
1846 Comments
How about just saying that once you are convicted of a felony and lose those rights, then they're gone for good. That's part of the consequences of being a convicted felon.
rhood
about 3 years ago
23592 Comments
I have no problem with this approach. If they can't read or write, then they need to learn in order to function in society. They could have learned while in prison in stead of lifting weights or sitting on their backsides.
bulldogdt20012001
about 3 years ago
206 Comments
I think a little education would be good for them. What else do they have to do in prison.