Northam's action, shared first with CNN's @fschouten, is the latest push to expand the franchise to ex-convicts in the state, and comes just months before Virginia's gubernatorial and state legislative elections.
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Under current law in Virginia, anyone convicted of a felony loses an array of civil rights, including the right to vote, serve on juries or run for public office. The state Constitution gives the governor the sole power to restore most of those civil rights.
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Previously, VA policy required former felons to finish serving "active supervision," including probation or parole, before they were eligible to have their rights restored. Northam's move means released Virginians who still remain on probation or parole now are eligible to vote
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They’ve served their time - that seems fair.

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Will this also restore their 2A rights?
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No, because the prohibition of firearms possession by felons is a federal law, not state. At present, only a presidential pardon can restore gun possession rights to a convicted felon.
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