McAuliffe announces convicted felon voting rights

A major decision made Friday in Virginia.

Governor Terry McAuliffe (D-Va.) announced that about 206,000 convicted felonies will now be eligible to vote in the state, after he signed an executive order to restore civil rights.

The order applies to former offenders after they complete their sentences, along with all other requirements like parole and probation.

ABC reports Republicans said ex-offenders who committed violent crimes, like murder, should not be allowed to vote or have other civil rights restored.

Formerly, Virginia was one of three states where felons and ex-felons permanently lost their right to vote.

As of 2013 in Delaware, and 2016 in Maryland, felons restored their rights to vote.