Virginia Governor Spanberger investigates potential restoration of voting rights to deceased felons

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger stated on Friday, October 9, 2026, that her administration is investigating whether it restored the voting rights of deceased individuals, the Washington Examiner reported. The inquiry follows her office's previous action to reinstate voting privileges for tens of thousands of Virginians who had prior felony convictions. [1]

The Washington Examiner reported that Governor Spanberger announced in July 2026 that her office had restored the voting rights of 66,085 former felons. Under the state constitution of Virginia, individuals convicted of a felony automatically and permanently lose their right to vote unless the governor chooses to restore those privileges. [1]

Spanberger acknowledged to reporters that it appears her administration may have granted rights to people who are already dead, according to the Washington Examiner. Her administration is currently looking into the matter to determine if deceased individuals were included in the list of restored citizens. [1]

Spanberger is an American politician and former intelligence officer who assumed office in 2026 as the 75th governor of Virginia. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served from 2019 to 2025 as the United States representative for the seventh congressional district of Virginia. [2]