Sunday, April 11, 2010
Virginia Governor to restore literacy test
No doubt busting with pride at restoring Confederate History Month, even if he did have to mention slavery, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is trying to top that move with a restoration of the literacy test. Because they won't let him limit the test to black folks like in the good old days, he will use it to see if non-violent felons are good enough to vote again in Virginia.
Only Virginia and Kentucky require an act of the governor to restore voting rights to felons. The vast majority of states, including Maryland, automatically restore voting rights after a sentence is completed. The District allows felons to vote upon their release from prison...So having been judged for their crimes and served their sentences, they are to be judged again to see if they can write well enough to be restored to full citizenship in Virginia. And they will probably have to belong to the right church to succeed.
In coming weeks, McDonnell will start requiring nonviolent offenders to write a letter to him explaining the circumstances of their arrest; their efforts to get a job, seek an education and participate in church and community activities; and why they believe their rights should be restored. Some applicants already have been notified that letters will be required...
Applicants will be judged on whether they have fulfilled their sentences and are contributing members of society, according to McDonnell administration officials. Decisions will be made by the secretary of the commonwealth's office and the office of the governor's counsel. McDonnell will not review the cases.
Felons who commit violent or drug-distribution crimes have to wait five years to apply to have their rights restored in Virginia. They have to fill out a longer form, submit reference letters and certified copies of court documents, and write a letter to the governor. That process will not change. McDonnell will review those cases, as other governors have.
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