Read The Source Article At Virginia Mercury
The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy. Unfortunately, recent actions taken by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and his administration have underscored the fragility of this fundamental right.
Last fall, right before Election Day, news broke that over 3,400 formerly disenfranchised voters were erroneously removed from the voter rolls – none were convicted of new crimes – due to changes in policy that were never widely discussed nor publicized, until it was too late. The process of getting your voting rights restored in Virginia remains obscure, generating confusion and discouraging participation.
Now, more than ever, with the Super Tuesday primaries tomorrow and the general election approaching, it is imperative that voters – particularly those of us who have been convicted of felonies in Virginia – check our voter registration status to ensure our voices are heard in the upcoming elections.
As a person whose right to vote was revoked based on a wrongful conviction, I know that voting is not a privilege; it is a fundamental aspect of citizenship that shapes the direction of our communities and our nation. As a young, single mother of three, who was burdened with the associated legal costs for something I did not do, I was forced to sit out multiple elections. Even though I never spent a night in jail nor prison, and was sentenced to five years on probation, I was banned from voting for over nine years due to my inability to pay my fines, fees and restitution. I could knock on doors and get others registered, but I could not use my voice to vote for the things my family needed.
Although the Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racial discrimination in voting, too often felony voting bans only deepen existing racial inequality. Studies have shown that African Americans and other people of color are more likely to be disenfranchised due to felony convictions — a result of the systemic racism that plagues our criminal legal system. As a matter of fact, in Virginia, over 10 percent of Black voting age adults are banned from voting. I know how this feels firsthand, as I am one of several Black Virginians in my family who have had their rights taken away then restored.
As such, efforts to purge voter rolls must be scrutinized through a lens of racial equity, and every precaution must be taken to prevent the further marginalization of communities of color.
It’s also important to consider that banning people who have been incarcerated from voting does nothing to advance public safety or prevent crime. There is nothing safe about people not participating in our political process; quite the opposite. Research consistently demonstrates that restoring voting rights for people with felony convictions can improve community safety, by allowing returning citizens to remain engaged in their communities and the policies that shape their lives.
For many Virginians with felony charges, the restoration of their voting rights symbolizes a second chance, a chance to reclaim their stake in society and contribute to the shaping of their communities. To strip them of this right, especially right before elections, is to deny them their full citizenship and undermine the very fabric of our democracy. In a time when the right to vote seems more fragile than ever, checking your voter registration status is a simple yet crucial action that every voter must take. It ensures that you are still registered to vote and that your voice can be heard on Election Day.
Fortunately, checking your voter registration status is easier than ever before. Whether you have a felony or not, taking a few moments to verify your registration ensures that you are prepared to participate in upcoming elections.
In Virginia, individuals can check their voter registration status online through the Department of Elections website or by contacting their local registrar’s office. By taking this proactive step, you not only safeguard your own right to vote but also take a meaningful stand against attempts to disenfranchise vulnerable communities.
The fight for voting rights is far from over, but together, we can ensure that every eligible citizen, including Virginians impacted by the criminal legal system, has the opportunity to participate in our democracy. You can check your voter registration status today, and help protect the integrity of our electoral system and the rights of all Virginians.
Together, we can ensure that democracy prevails in Virginia.
