STATE SHOULD EASE PATH FOR EX-FELONS TO REGAIN RIGHTS

Former conservative Republican Gov. Jim Gilmore's decision to restore
voting and other rights to former conservative Republican state Sen. Robert
E. Russell Sr. will, naturally enough, raise the issue of political
favoritism. Russell was convicted in 1993 of a felony.

Questions will arise especially because Gilmore was relatively stingy in
this regard over his four years in office, granting relief to only 210 of
the 1,344 petitioners, or 15.6 percent.

Perhaps more importantly, attention to the Russell case may help to
redirect the focus on what remains a sore spot for many convicted felons:
the restrictiveness and complexity of Virginia's process for reinstatement
of such rights.

In 1993 Russell was found guilty of embezzling nearly $14,000 from a
nonprofit cycling club of which he was treasurer. He drew a five-year term
with four years suspended. Gilmore's action, three days before he left
office, also allows Russell to seek elective office, serve on a jury and
potentially keep firearms.

Virginia is one of only 13 states that do not automatically restore voting
rights when felons complete their sentences or after a specified waiting
period. Also in Virginia, felons must wait five years before they can even
petition the governor, who is the only one with the power to grant the
requests for a pardon or a restoration of rights. Two years ago, the state
made it a little easier for nonviolent felons: They may petition circuit
courts to begin the process of restoring voting rights. But for applicants
who wish to regain their rights, the procedure is both time-consuming and
complicated. Many are discouraged from trying.

In effect, the commonwealth continues to punish offenders even after they
have completed their terms.

Del. Jerrauld C. Jones of Norfolk is sponsoring legislation in the current
General Assembly session to eliminate the five-year wait and allow these
felons to apply immediately for restoration of voting rights.

The legislature ought not only to adopt Jones' proposal; it also should
take further steps to simplify the process for those who have paid their
debt to society for their wrongdoing.