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Bill

HB 964

Voter registration; restoration of political rights upon release from incarceration.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 35 co-sponsors

HB 964 automatically restores Virginia voter registration upon incarceration release, eliminating manual re-registration requirements for formerly incarcerated people.

Governor's recommendation received by House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 964

Legislative bill overview

HB 964 automatically restores voter registration rights to individuals upon their release from incarceration in Virginia, rather than requiring them to manually re-register. The bill streamlines the process of political participation for formerly incarcerated people who have completed their sentences.

Why is this important

Approximately 4.6 million Americans are disenfranchised due to felony convictions, with Virginia historically having restrictive voting restoration policies. This bill directly affects reentry and civic participation, potentially increasing voter turnout among a population with lower registration rates and addressing questions of democratic inclusivity and criminal justice reform.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and burden: The fiscal impact statement suggests administrative costs for coordination between Department of Corrections and election officials to automate restoration notifications
  • Eligibility clarity: Questions about which types of convictions trigger automatic restoration and whether probation/parole completion status affects eligibility
  • Election security concerns: Conservative opponents may argue automatic registration increases risk of ineligible voters being added to rolls without individual verification
  • Scope of application: Debate over whether restoration should apply only to felonies or also misdemeanors, and whether it covers people still under supervision

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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