The ACLU of Virginia strongly supports amending the state constitution to positively affirm the right to vote for all citizens who are over 18 and meet Virginia residency requirements. Right now, hundreds of thousands of Virginians cannot vote due to a felony conviction and more are disenfranchised every day under this remnant of the Jim Crow era, disproportionately affecting people of color. The right to vote belongs to the people and should be something that the government cannot take away for any reason.

SJ 262: Constitutional Amendment (First Resolution); Qualifications of Voters and the Right to Vote (Lucas) 

SJ 261: Constitutional amendment (First Resolution); Qualifications of Voters and the Right to Vote (Locke)

HJ 598: Constitutional amendment (First Resolution); Qualifications of Voters and the Right to Vote (Simon)

Advocacy Resources

Constitutional Amendment to Guarantee the Right to Vote Facts Sheet

Constitutional Amendment to Guarantee the Right to Vote Talking Points

Sponsors

Louise Lucas, Mamie Locke, Marcus Simon

Session

2019 General Assembly

Bill number

SJ 262, SJ 261, HJ 598

Position

Strongly Support