Governor Speeds Up Rights Restoration Process for Thousands Dell Denise Williams was surprised to learn that the governor would be personally taking action to restore her civil rights. She joined him at the press conference alongside other returning citizens. (Photo: Whittney Evans/VPM News) Governor Ralph Northam has taken action to fast track voting rights restoration for tens of thousands of Virginia residents with prior felony convictions. Northam made the announcement Tuesday at Offender Aid and Restoration, a non-profit that provides support to returning citizens. “If we want people to return to their communities and participate in society, we need to welcome them back fully,” he said. “It’s wrong to keep punishing people forever.”