The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday struck down Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s executive order that had restored voting rights to released felons.
In the 4-3 decision, the court said it “respectfully disagrees” with the governor’s claim he had the authority to make such comprehensive reforms to voting laws.
McAuliffe had announced earlier this year a plan to give more than 200,000 convicted felons the chance to vote in elections, run for public office and sit on a jury following the successful completion of their sentences.
Former felons who had received the rights will be stripped of the newfound freedoms.
McAuliffe’s office has not publicly responded to the decision.
