HB 964: Voter Registration; Restoration of Political Rights Upon Release from Incarceration
🔴 THREAT LEVEL: HIGH
BILL SNAPSHOT
Bill Number: HB 964
Bill Patron: Del. Marcia S. Price (D)
Bill Area: Elections / Voting Rights / Criminal Justice
Who This Bill Affects: Individuals convicted of felonies, the Virginia Department of Corrections, and election officials
QUICK SUMMARY
HB 964 would automatically restore voting rights to individuals convicted of felonies upon release from incarceration. The bill requires correctional facilities to send release information to election officials so these individuals can be added to the voter registration system and allowed to register to vote as soon as they leave prison.
The bill would take effect January 1, 2027, but only if Virginia voters approve a constitutional amendment establishing a fundamental right to vote.
RALLY ANALYSIS
Under current Virginia law, individuals convicted of felonies lose their voting rights and must have those rights restored by the governor before they can vote again. This system allows elected leadership to review cases individually before restoring political rights.
HB 964 removes that process and replaces it with automatic restoration of voting rights immediately upon release from incarceration.
The bill also directs corrections agencies to coordinate with election officials to prepare voter registration before individuals are released. In practice, this creates a government pipeline to register former inmates into the voter rolls as soon as they leave prison.
Supporters argue the bill helps individuals reintegrate into society. However, critics say it removes an important layer of accountability and oversight that currently exists through the gubernatorial restoration process.
It also raises concerns about whether serious felony convictions should carry long-term civic consequences.
WHY THIS MATTERS
- Eliminates the governor’s role in restoring voting rights after felony convictions
- Creates automatic voter eligibility immediately after release from prison
- Requires coordination between prisons and election officials to process voter registration
- Could increase the number of individuals with felony convictions entering the voter rolls
- Ties the policy to a constitutional amendment establishing a “fundamental right to vote” in Virginia
- Raises concerns about election integrity and civic accountability
RALLY VERDICT: ❌ OPPOSE
HB 964 removes an important safeguard in Virginia’s system for restoring political rights after felony convictions. Instead of individualized review and accountability, the bill creates automatic restoration and government-facilitated voter registration.
Voting is one of the most important civic responsibilities in a democracy.
Changes to who qualifies for that privilege should be approached with caution and strong safeguards.
For these reasons, Rally Virginia opposes HB 964.
RALLY RADAR — THREAT LEVEL LEGEND
⚫ CRITICAL THREAT — Immediate and severe harm; must be stopped
🔴 HIGH THREAT — Serious risk to safety, liberty, or governance
🟡 MODERATE THREAT — Concerning but limited scope
🟢 LOW THREAT — Minimal impact or symbolic
