McAuliffe restores voting rights for 206K ex-felons; GOP calls it move to boost Clinton

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Richmond Times Dispatch:

Gov. Terry McAuliffe today signed an order restoring the voting rights of 206,000 ex-felons, a sweeping action the governor said was aimed at rectifying Virginia's "long and sad history" of suppressing African-American voting power.

 

Coming in a presidential election year, a swift backlash ensued as Republicans accused McAuliffe of abusing his executive power to help longtime ally Hillary Clinton win a battleground state by putting more likely Democratic voters on the books.

 

The governor's order applies to all violent and nonviolent felons who have completed all phases of their sentences and supervised release as of Friday - even those who have not applied for a restoration of rights - a departure from past policies in which governors restored rights on an individual basis.

 

"We benefit from a more just and accountable government when we put trust in all of our citizens to choose their leaders," McAuliffe said to a cheering crowd from the steps of the state Capitol. "It has taken Virginia many centuries, unfortunately, to learn this lesson. But today, we celebrate its truth."

 

The action, which comes just days after the General Assembly wrapped up the 2016 legislative session, has the potential to expand the state's voter rolls by up to 3.8 percent.

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Crooks allowing other criminals to vote...

[righteousmomma]

Gov. Terry McAuliffe today signed an order restoring the voting rights of 206,000 ex-felons, a sweeping action the governor said was aimed at rectifying Virginia's "long and sad history" of suppressing African-American voting power.

 

May I ask how this action rectifies the "suppression of African American voting power"?

 

"We benefit from a more just and accountable government when we put trust in all of our citizens to choose their leaders," McAuliffe said to a cheering crowd from the steps of the state Capitol. "It has taken Virginia many centuries, unfortunately, to learn this lesson. But today, we celebrate its truth."

 

Oh, barf, barf - more liberal feel good gobbly gook talk. What "truth"? I vaguely recall reading that back in the 18th Century this very action was feared - a democratic mob rule mentality.