What: Restoration of Rights Forum in Fredericksburg
When: Friday, November 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Fredericksburg, 25 Chalice Circle, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Virginia Organizing invites the public to a Restoration of Rights Forum at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg (UUFF) on November 15 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. The Fredericksburg Chapter of Virginia Organizing, UUFF, and the Spotsylvania Chapter of the NAACP are co-sponsors of the event.
Felony disenfranchisement is the practice of denying formerly incarcerated people their right to vote. Currently, Virginia is the only state that permanently disenfranchises all persons with felony convictions. The governor only intervenes on a case-by-case basis to restore rights. The process used by Gov. Glenn Youngkin contrasts with the previous two Virginia governors, who instituted automatic restoration of rights after returning citizens completed their sentences.
At the forum, Delegate Joshua Cole (HD-65) will advocate for amending the Constitution of Virginia so that there is automatic restoration of voting rights after incarceration. He will explain the legislative process required and how the public can be involved.
Panelist Juanita Shanks, founder of Failsafe-ERA, works with families of incarcerated and returning citizens to positively transform their lives. She will address restoration of rights as part of the restoration of life for returning citizens.
Virginia Organizing leaders, Jen Rhame and Duane Edwards, will share their personal journeys after felony convictions. They will discuss how different governors have addressed their effort to restore their rights, and they will explain how the process does not need to be partisan.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Fredericksburg is located at 25 Chalice Circle, Fredericksburg 22405. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
For more information or to interview a spokesperson, contact Jorge Mendez at (540) 446-9868 or jorge@virginiaorganizing.org.
