SIMPLER VOTING FOR EX-CONVICTS IS A MATTER OF JUSTICE

Voting is a privilege that many Virginians consistently decline to
exercise. So it may be no big deal that Gov. Mark Warner has
streamlined the process for released felons to regain their voting
rights. After all, many former prisoners are more interested in
securing a job than a trip to the ballot box. And even if they had the
right to vote, there's no certainty that ex-convicts -- just like
other citizens -- would carry out their civic duty.

Still, Warner's recent decision is commendable. Virginia is one of
several states that make it extremely difficult for felons to vote
after they leave prison. State policy should encourage ex-convicts to
be a plus -- and not parasites -- to their communities.

In the previous process, felons convicted of drug offenses couldn't
apply for a restoration of voting rights until seven years after
finishing their sentence and any probation, parole or supervised
release. For all other felons, the waiting period was five years. They
had to fill out a 13-page application and provide supporting
documentation. Applications could linger with the state for years.

Under Warner's new policy, which took effect Sept. 1, anyone convicted
of a nonviolent offense may apply after three years. The application
is one page, and no supporting documents will be required. Ex-felons
will receive a decision within six months.

The five-year waiting period will be required of those convicted of
violent crimes, drug distribution offenses and voting fraud.

The restoration process should be even easier. Many states, for
example, allow ex-felons to vote after they've finished their
sentences. Virginia is just one of 11 states nationwide where a felony
conviction can result in a lifetime of disfranchisement, according to
The Sentencing Project, a nonprofit organization based in Washington.

Voting gives citizens a stake in what happens in their town, state and
nation. Prisoners should lose that right while behind bars. However,
it should be simpler to regain after they've served their sentences.