McAuliffe restores voting rights of more than 10K Virginians

(AP) Gov. Terry McAuliffe says his administration has restored the voting and civil rights of more than 10,000 Virginians with criminal records.

The Democratic governor said Monday that more Virginians have had their rights restored under his watch than under any other governor in a four-year term.

That process allows an ex-offender to vote, run for public office and serve on juries.

McAuliffe has made several changes to the process, including allowing residents to submit their application before they’ve paid their court fees.

Drug convictions are also now considered non-violent offenses and serious offenders can submit applications after three years, instead of five years.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar Stoney is encouraging those whose rights have been restored to use them and register to vote.