20 November (Wed.) | 3 pm | Rm 128 of Stryker Center (Scotland Street)
Upcoming Legislation on the Right to Vote
On November 13 the Privileges and Elections Committee of the House of Delegates passed a house bill (HJ2) which recommends a constitutional amendment to the Virginia Constitution to automatically enfranchises felons upon release from incarceration in Virginia. Watch the Committee proceedings, including supportive testimony from several League members at Virginia General Assembly | Livestream (excerpt)
For the past year, a small group of League members, some from Williamsburg, and others from all over the state of Virginia, have studied the issue of whether there should be an Inalienable Right to Vote. Based on this study group's research and meetings we now have a document and consensus questions to consider. From local League discussions, held over Virginia, a final proposal can be crafted which has the potential to become an official position of the LWV of Virginia and all its local Leagues. We will talk about felony disenfranchisement, challenges for disabled voters, and youth voting.
Join us on November 20 at Stryker Center (Room 128). Members of the team will show the slides and we can discuss where we stand on this profound issue.
Study Conclusion & Consensus Questions
Conclusion
In 1619, Virginians adopted a system of government that empowered men who were not of noble birth. Rather than being ruled by a monarch who was ordained by God or by a dictator who seized authority, these ordinary men elected ordinary men from among them to serve as representatives who would pass laws and perform other duties on their behalf.
Voting is a basic component of representational democracy. Restricting who can vote shapes who is represented but also the laws under which society operates. Representatives are influenced by their own perspective and lived experience. In 1619, these “ordinary men” were land-holding white men who were at least 21 years of age. Over time, barriers have been removed so that women, minorities, and 18-21 year olds could elect representatives. The Virginia constitution still leaves out those with a felony conviction (unless restored by the governor), those who have been mentally adjudicated, and those under the age of 18. Should the Virginia constitution be amended to admit these groups? What perspectives and lived experiences are not considered because of their exclusion? If voting is a “right,” as stated in the LWV-VA position, shouldn’t it be protected and not taken away?
We want your thoughts on these consensus questions:
- “Democracy arises from people’s desire for dignity, equality, justice, liberty, and participation–their desire for a voice.” If your voice is your vote, should everyone in a democracy have the right to vote?
- The U.S. Constitution delegates to states the authority to decide who can vote, but amendments have expanded who can vote. Should the U.S. Constitution be amended to create one national standard for who can vote?
- Should the Virginia Constitution be changed to add a “fundamental right to vote” clause in both the title and body of Section 1?
- Should the Virginia Constitution be changed to permit those who are 16 and older to vote in local and state elections?
- Should the Virginia Constitution be changed to remove the stipulations in Section 1, Article II of the Virginia Constitution that disenfranchise citizens convicted of a felony and those adjudicated to be mentally incompetent?
- Given concerns over aging office holders and Supreme Court Justices, should there be an upper age limit to qualify to vote?
- Should someone judged mentally incapacitated retain the right to vote if they demonstrate an Understanding of the act of voting and a desire to cast a ballot?
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