One Virginia lawmaker is opting to take action in the ongoing debate on felons’ voting rights in the state. Senator Tommy Norment, a Republican from Williamsburg, announced Thursday a plan to restore rights to nonviolent felons, while removing the governor from the process altogether.
To change how and if felons can vote, means changing Virginia’s Constitution. That’s at least a two-year process, but Senator Tommy Norment says he’s ready to get started.
“What I would hope is that this legislation that I’ve offered would serve as a catalyst to sit down and let’s talk about it,” says Norment.
Norment’sproposal would, on one hand, automatically restore voting rights to all nonviolent felons -- once they’ve served time and paid fines.
But on the flipside, it would take away the Governor’s power to restore rights, leaving no way for violent felons to ever vote again.
“No matter how long ago the crime may have occurred, and no matter what they have done after that crime," says Senator Donald McEachin, a Democrat from Richmond. "That’s just unjust and Republicans know it."
Democrats see Norment’s proposal less as a peace offering, and more as another play in a back-and-forth game of politics.
“I am hopeful that the Virginia General Assembly will ultimately reject this, and I know the people of Virginia will reject this if it makes it to the ballot,” says McEachin.
Norment though, says he’s open to compromise, especially on the issue of violent felons.
“As far as violent felons not having any avenue to having their rights restored, I am flexible in discussing that,” says Norment.
Norment is also hopeful his Republican colleagues will be on board.
Virginia's Republican Speaker of the House Bill Howell said in a statement that the House of Delegates was "ready and willing to actively discuss the merits of a constitutional amendment."
A similar measure passed the Senate in 2013, but it ultimately flopped in the Republican-controlled House of Delegates.
“I am hopeful that when the dust settles my Democratic friends and the executive branch of government will appreciate that I am trying to start a dialogue which I hope that they will participate in,” says Norment.
Following a summer of lawsuits, and gearing up for a fall of presidential politics, it’s unclear if the dust will ever settle.
