And, I'm working with a client now, using this approach,to overcome a pro-se plea to a felony PCP possession 13 years ago.My client is gathering all the documentation for submission along with a letter he will initially draft which will be refined with some effort from my end. For folks not into letter writing and for my clients with the same lack of writing abilities, I refer them to a site called Planet Feedback (link below). It's an excellent aid for those lacking confidence or the skills necessary to drive home your point via a written correspondence. Anyways, with the Governor opening the door on this approach, after we receive a response from his offices, I'll let you know how it played out. This is a very interesting approcach to re-enfranchisement.
http://www.planetfeedback.com/==================
By BOB LEWIS
AP Political Writer
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Prisoners in Virginia who want to vote again and have other civil rights restored will have to write to Gov. Bob McDonnell explaining why.
A draft proposal by McDonnell's administration would compel felons who want their rights back to tell the governor in writing about their crime, their rehabilitation and how they've contributed to society since doing their time.
The American Civil Liberties Union accused the Republican governor Monday of reinstituting the literacy test on convicts, many of them with limited learning.
In Virginia, only the governor can restore felons' rights.
Legislative efforts to give felons other ways to regain their rights have repeatedly failed.