Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:02 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
Gov Mcauliffe restores Voting Rights to more than 5,100 ex-offenders..Last edited Wed Dec 31, 2014, 03:13 AM - Edit history (1)  ProgressivePhD @CallOut4
Follow McAuliffe restores rights of more than 5,100 ex-offenders @richmonddotcom 4:31 PM - 29 Dec 2014 12 Retweets 3 favorites  http://theobamadiary.com/2014/12/29/2014-50-most-memorable-moments/
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe watched in an emotional moment for James W. Ray snip// James W. Ray sat silently in the front row of the church meeting room, rubbing his eyes. Ray wasn’t mourning a loss. Rather, the Vietnam veteran and felon wept over something that had just been returned to him — the right to vote. “Those are tears of joy,” observed Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who came to First Baptist Church in South Richmond on Thursday to formally restore the rights of Ray and two others. The governor was commemorating a year in which the secretary of the commonwealth’s office restored the rights of 5,113 Virginians to vote, serve on a jury, hold public office and become notaries. snip// “This is a great day in my life,” said Ray, convicted in 2005 of a nonviolent felony. He received an official proclamation from the governor along with LaQuita Fairley and Verneda Muhammad. “This is what’s great about being governor,” said McAuliffe, who became a little emotional himself at seeing Ray’s reaction. “I’ve said many times I think it’s important that everybody in life gets a second chance,” the governor told the audience of parishioners, politicians and rights restoration advocates. They cheered and applauded frequently throughout the event as officials and former offenders alike told of trying to restore civil rights — and the impact restoration will have on their lives. MOre.. http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/article_cbad7917-dac0-5ae1-a545-b5fafc29081b.html#.VKINMLIDXQM.twitter Second Chances, baby!   Thank you Governor McAuliffe~ The sacred right to VOTE 
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77 replies, 4065 views
 77 replies |
Author | Time | Post |
 Gov Mcauliffe restores Voting Rights to more than 5,100 ex-offenders.. (Original post) |
Cha | Dec 2014 | OP |
| oldandhappy | Dec 2014 | #1 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #2 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #3 | |
| appalachiablue | Dec 2014 | #4 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #5 | |
| mcar | Dec 2014 | #58 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #59 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #6 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #7 | |
| appalachiablue | Dec 2014 | #8 | |
| jaysunb | Dec 2014 | #15 | |
| appalachiablue | Dec 2014 | #17 | |
| jaysunb | Dec 2014 | #20 | |
| appalachiablue | Dec 2014 | #21 | |
| jaysunb | Dec 2014 | #26 | |
| appalachiablue | Dec 2014 | #27 | |
| Luminous Animal | Dec 2014 | #9 | |
| ucrdem | Dec 2014 | #19 | |
| Orsino | Dec 2014 | #52 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #10 | |
| ucrdem | Dec 2014 | #11 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #12 | |
| ucrdem | Dec 2014 | #18 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #23 | |
| freshwest | Dec 2014 | #13 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #16 | |
| jaysunb | Dec 2014 | #14 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #32 | |
| 951-Riverside | Dec 2014 | #22 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #29 | |
| herding cats | Dec 2014 | #24 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #31 | |
| herding cats | Dec 2014 | #33 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #34 | |
| lovemydog | Dec 2014 | #25 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #35 | |
| TexasTowelie | Dec 2014 | #28 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #37 | |
| SunSeeker | Dec 2014 | #30 | |
| NBachers | Dec 2014 | #36 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #40 | |
| davidpdx | Dec 2014 | #38 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #41 | |
| davidpdx | Dec 2014 | #42 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #43 | |
| whathehell | Dec 2014 | #39 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #44 | |
| whathehell | Dec 2014 | #51 | |
| riqster | Dec 2014 | #45 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #46 | |
| riqster | Dec 2014 | #47 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #48 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #49 | |
| JustAnotherGen | Dec 2014 | #50 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #55 | |
| napkinz | Dec 2014 | #53 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #56 | |
| napkinz | Dec 2014 | #62 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #64 | |
| napkinz | Dec 2014 | #54 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #57 | |
| CatWoman | Dec 2014 | #60 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #61 | |
| treestar | Dec 2014 | #63 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #66 | |
| sheshe2 | Dec 2014 | #65 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #68 | |
| sheshe2 | Dec 2014 | #69 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #70 | |
| ohheckyeah | Dec 2014 | #67 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #71 | |
| ohheckyeah | Dec 2014 | #72 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #74 | |
| Hekate | Dec 2014 | #73 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #75 | |
| 1step | Dec 2014 | #76 | |
| Cha | Dec 2014 | #77 |
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:06 AM
1. WOWeeee!!!!!
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Go, Gov.
The right to vote is number one.  |
Response to oldandhappy (Reply #1)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:09 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
2. Yes, indeed, oldandhappy!
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:16 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
3. KIck for Voting Rights!
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:17 AM
appalachiablue (29,625 posts)
4. Terrific, want to see more of this in the states. Big score for the Macker!
Response to appalachiablue (Reply #4)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:19 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
5. Terry's loving this.. yes, it would be nice if the Gov of Florida would Restore Voting Rights but
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that's not going to happen.
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Response to Cha (Reply #5)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 06:20 PM
mcar (35,343 posts)
58. I wish cha
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Shame on Florida voters and those who didn't vote. This state is going head first into crap-ville.
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Response to mcar (Reply #58)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 06:26 PM
Cha (268,169 posts)
59. It's such a Shame it's unreal, mcar. smh
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:30 AM
appalachiablue (29,625 posts)
8. Yes FL too. Love that state. I know Webb used to bring up voter restoration, and I first
Response to appalachiablue (Reply #8)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:48 AM
jaysunb (11,515 posts)
15. Webb/Udall 2016 ! n/t
Response to jaysunb (Reply #15)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:53 AM
appalachiablue (29,625 posts)
17. Maybe. I will look up Udall, know very little about him so far. You must know VA, how's
Response to appalachiablue (Reply #17)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:10 AM
jaysunb (11,515 posts)
20. I'm not at all, with the state dynamics, but, I've always adimired
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Jim Webb. America, will like him too.
Hello from California ! |
Response to jaysunb (Reply #20)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:16 AM
appalachiablue (29,625 posts)
21. Howdy California! What do you admire about Webb? There's much I realize.
Response to appalachiablue (Reply #21)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:23 AM
jaysunb (11,515 posts)
26. Sensibilities, common sense, sense of history
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and electability.
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Response to jaysunb (Reply #26)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:30 AM
appalachiablue (29,625 posts)
27. OK sounds good. I like history, lots don't. I need to go to CA been way too long.
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:32 AM
9. All prisoners, no matter the offense, should be allowed to vote FROM prison.
Response to Luminous Animal (Reply #9)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:05 AM
ucrdem (15,500 posts)
19. I absolutely agree.
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:38 AM
ucrdem (15,500 posts)
11. Wow.
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Awesome initiative. Props to Terry, and let's hope the idea spreads!
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Response to ucrdem (Reply #11)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:42 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
12. We know it's not going to spread to Florida until they get a decent gov in there.. hoping for
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2018, ucr!
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Response to Cha (Reply #12)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:02 AM
ucrdem (15,500 posts)
18. In addition to being the right thing to do
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it's also a good way to get out the Dem vote in 2016, not just from the reinstated voters, but their families and friends and communities. What's not to like!
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Response to ucrdem (Reply #18)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:19 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
23. Exactly.. good for Virginia in 2016.. the gop hate it.. indeed, what's not to like!
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Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:43 AM
13. Glad he did this... Especially for this gentleman.
Response to freshwest (Reply #13)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:50 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
16. So happy for these people who appreciate the Right to Vote, fresh! Sometimes you don't know what
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you have until it's taken away.
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Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 12:47 AM
jaysunb (11,515 posts)
14. There's something in my eye.....n/t
Response to jaysunb (Reply #14)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:54 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
32. And, in my throat, jay.
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So happy for them
 Wish everyone took their right to vote with such appreciation. |
Response to 951-Riverside (Reply #22)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:36 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
29. So do I, Riverside.. they pay their debt and it's to be a citizen with full rights again.
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:21 AM
herding cats (16,919 posts)
24. Why can't felons vote?
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I've never understood the reasoning behind disenfranchising a block of voters because they once committed a crime. I could maybe see an argument for not letting people vote while they're being punished, but after they've paid their debt to society I can't understand it at all.
People make mistakes, it's human nature. Sometimes those mistakes are crimes, more often they're not, but putting a lifetime stigma on a person who committed a crime in their past is just barbaric to me. Oh, and excellent OP, Cha! Thank you so much for sharing it with us! |
Response to herding cats (Reply #24)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:47 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
31. Thank you, herding cats.. I don't know why it was taken away even after they got out of
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incarceration. But, when I saw this story I just melted at James Ray's happiness at getting his Voting Rights back!
You're Welcome! |
Response to Cha (Reply #31)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 02:12 AM
herding cats (16,919 posts)
33. It's a beautiful story, Cha.
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It made my heart happy and I adore the feeling of a happy heart. You're the best!
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Response to herding cats (Reply #33)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 02:21 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
34. You're the best!
 herding cats~ |
Response to lovemydog (Reply #25)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 02:37 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
35. That's it, lovemydog.. "done their time".. and now it time to have their Voting Rights Restored.
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Gov McAuliffe says he has plans to do a lot more before his term is up.. "this is only the first year".
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Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:31 AM
TexasTowelie (80,292 posts)
28. Thanks for the news.
Response to TexasTowelie (Reply #28)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 02:58 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
37. You're Welcome, TexasT! Good point about standing on juries.. Definitely.. so many Americans
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don't even want to .. the same with Voting as we unfortunately saw in the MidTerms.
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Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 01:39 AM
SunSeeker (43,207 posts)
30. Felon disenfranchisement is the new Jim Crow.
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 02:52 AM
NBachers (13,358 posts)
36. As an ex-offender with a lot of Fed time under my belt, I applaud Governor McAuliffe.
Response to NBachers (Reply #36)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 03:48 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
40. So, you know and really appreciate the right to vote and exercise it.. Wish everyone did who
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takes it for granted, NBachers.
Gov McAuliffe said there's more to come.. he's "only been in office 11 months.. he's just getting started". From the link.. "Virginia has historically been among the most restrictive states in the nation in returning civil rights to former offenders, requiring felons to go through a waiting period and a detailed application process even after they have served their time." And, this.. States Deny Millions Of Ex-Felons Voting Rights "Four states permanently disenfranchise ex-felons. In Florida, Iowa, Kentucky and Virginia, it takes a decree by the governor or a clemency board to restore a person's voting rights, and only after a predetermined waiting period and all fines and fees are paid can an individual submit an application." MOre.. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/08/felon-voting-rights_n_1924535.html Hope this starts a trend, too! |
Response to davidpdx (Reply #38)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 04:13 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
41. I don't either, david.. they are suppose to be rehabiliated.. that's what is said about prison.. so
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why not honor them, encourage and inspire to make them believe it?
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Response to davidpdx (Reply #42)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 04:43 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
43. Sorry to hear that. Seems like it puts more of a drain on society in the long run. There are
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 03:13 AM
whathehell (25,413 posts)
39. Bravo..It's the right thing to do.
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Response to whathehell (Reply #39)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 05:19 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
44. Absolutely, wth!
Response to riqster (Reply #45)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 07:05 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
46. You see how important this is! Thank you, riqster.
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Mahalo
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Response to riqster (Reply #47)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 07:34 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
48. Happiest of New Years to you and yours, riqster~
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Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 08:05 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
49. KICK for new Voters!
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 08:06 AM
JustAnotherGen (27,258 posts)
50. Oh lovely!
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Response to JustAnotherGen (Reply #50)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 05:30 PM
Cha (268,169 posts)
55. Indeed, Gen!
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Response to napkinz (Reply #53)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 05:40 PM
Cha (268,169 posts)
56. Yes, some great news for a little change up here, napkinz.. thank you!
Response to napkinz (Reply #62)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 10:19 PM
Cha (268,169 posts)
64. More Voters in Virginia.. Mahalo Gov McAuliffe!
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Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 06:29 PM
CatWoman (75,274 posts)
60. and he sent CatWoman an email Christmas Card
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Response to CatWoman (Reply #60)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 06:44 PM
Cha (268,169 posts)
61. Cool! I bet Gov McAuliffe is so refreshing after McDonnell, Cat.
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Response to treestar (Reply #63)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 11:18 PM
Cha (268,169 posts)
66. Mahalo treestar, Excellent quote! ".. we can reduce recidivism, increase participation in our
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democratic processes, and build a new Virginia economy,” McAuliffe said."
Thank you! |
Response to Cha (Original post)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 10:48 PM
sheshe2 (69,740 posts)
65. Thank you Governor Terry McAuliffe.
Response to sheshe2 (Reply #65)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 11:36 PM
Cha (268,169 posts)
68. And, he's not done yet, she.."..only getting started" I love the quote that treestar brought forth.
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“By providing Virginia’s former offenders with a second chance, we can reduce recidivism, increase participation in our democratic processes, and build a new Virginia economy,” McAuliffe said.
James Ray is a compelling example of someone who lost his right to vote and really appreciates getting it back!
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Response to Cha (Reply #68)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 11:39 PM
sheshe2 (69,740 posts)
69. Good for Virginia!
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and The Governor, Cha. |
Response to sheshe2 (Reply #69)
Tue Dec 30, 2014, 11:47 PM
Cha (268,169 posts)
70. Yeah, I'm thinking that could help in 2016!
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Response to ohheckyeah (Reply #67)
Wed Dec 31, 2014, 12:30 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
71. Sounds like "Second Chances" to me, ohheckyeah.. I kind of got that impression of
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Gov McAulliffe but of course I'm not there in your state.
We have our own new Dem Gov and looking forward to seeing how he'll do. I'm optimistic. |
Response to Cha (Reply #71)
Wed Dec 31, 2014, 12:54 AM
72. I voted for him but wasn't
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Overly optimistic but he's won my admiration. Good luck with your new Dem governor.
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Response to ohheckyeah (Reply #72)
Wed Dec 31, 2014, 03:00 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
74. Mahalo, ohheckyeah~ Our new Gov..
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David Ige becomes state's 8th governor
HONOLULU —On a windy morning in front of hundreds of students, state lawmakers and five former state governors, Sen. David Ige became Gov. Ige. He gave a speech that focused on family as he became Hawaii's eighth governor. “I am a son of immigrants like most of us here in Hawaii,” Ige said. “We are forever marked by that immigrant experience, by that voyaging.” Ige takes over the state’s top job with unemployment at its lowest level since 2008, but he still says there is a lot of work to be done. “In the last several years, we have had to deal with some of the most divisive issues we've faced as a community, including GMOs, same-sex marriage and others that go to the heart of what many of us believe,” said Ige. “But that's the thing, you see. As important as those issues are, they really don't define us.” Hawaii's new governor served in the state Legislature for nearly 30 years before the inauguration Monday. MOre.. http://www.kitv.com/news/David-Ige-becomes-state-s-8th-governor/30011984 
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/27562835/thousands-join-gov-ige-in-inauguration-celebration-dinner |
Response to Cha (Original post)
Wed Dec 31, 2014, 12:57 AM
Hekate (66,186 posts)
73. That is a good start!
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Response to Hekate (Reply #73)
Wed Dec 31, 2014, 03:12 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
75. Indeed, Hekate.. quote from Gov Mcauliffe
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“By providing Virginia’s former offenders with a second chance, we can reduce recidivism, increase participation in our democratic processes, and build a new Virginia economy,” McAuliffe said
Mahalo
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Response to Cha (Original post)
Wed Dec 31, 2014, 03:16 AM
76. Excellent
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Not Montgomery Burns' Excellent, but instead the good, K&R type of Excellent!
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Response to 1step (Reply #76)
Wed Dec 31, 2014, 05:29 AM
Cha (268,169 posts)
77. More voters in Virginia, 1 step and as Gov Mcauliffe says..
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“By providing Virginia’s former offenders with a second chance, we can reduce recidivism, increase participation in our democratic processes, and build a new Virginia economy,” McAuliffe said
Mahalo
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