Governor Abigail Spanberger of Virginia stood at the Lincoln Memorial on Friday to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the historic 1963 March on Washington. During her speech, she announced a significant move to restore voting rights to 100,000 state residents, a move that highlights her administration's commitment to civil rights and voting accessibility.
Spanberger, who was sworn into office in January 2026, emphasized the importance of voting rights and the ongoing struggle for civil liberties. She highlighted the progress Virginia has made in ensuring that every eligible resident can cast their vote, urging Virginians to participate in the democratic process.
In a landmark decision, Spanberger's administration has restored the voting rights of 100,000 formerly-incarcerated residents. This move comes as Virginia is one of only three states with a constitution that permanently strips voting rights from citizens with felony convictions. Spanberger, in her address, called this process a "shameful relic of Virginia's Jim Crow past."
"The right to vote is about more than a ballot — it is about whether we believe every person should have a voice in our democracy, and I do," Spanberger said. "It is about whether we believe our fellow citizens deserve the dignity of being heard, and I do."
Spanberger's speech also touched on the history of civil rights in Virginia, noting the state's role in the Freedom Rides and the election of L. Douglas Wilder, the first Black governor in the United States. She highlighted the record number of Black legislators and women elected in Virginia, including the first Black Speaker of the House and the first woman Governor.
Spanberger's announcement comes amidst a broader national debate on voting rights. In recent years, the United States Supreme Court has dismantled many of the protections provided by the Voting Rights Act, leading to states making it harder to vote. Spanberger criticized the current administration's efforts to undermine American democracy and keep Americans from voting.
"The proof of that is in the fact that people have worked so hard throughout history to deny others the vote — to silence their voices," Spanberger said. "So let me tell you about Sam Harris — a Virginian who I am proud to say now has the right to vote again."
Harris, a former felon, expressed his pride in regaining the right to vote and his responsibility to ensure his daughter understands the importance of voting. "He spoke with reverence for his restored right to vote because it's 'something my ancestors died for,'" Spanberger said.
Spanberger's speech and the restoration of voting rights in Virginia are part of a larger movement to ensure that every citizen has a voice in the democratic process. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of voting rights and civil liberties, Spanberger's actions in Virginia serve as a beacon of hope for those fighting for equality and justice.
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