Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam vetoed a bill that would bar convicted felons from being notaries, even if they had their civil rights restored after serving their sentences. 

Northam announced the veto March 22, 2019, saying the legislation was "antithetical to the concept of restorative justice." 

The legislation barred people from ever being notaries if they'd been convicted of certain felonies, including fraud, robbery, bribery and treason. This legislation had broad support in the General Assembly, including a unanimous vote in the Senate. 

On October 10, 2019, Northam announced that he has restored voting and other civil rights to more than 22,000 felons who have completed their sentences. The restored rights include the right to vote, serve on a jury and run for public office, including that of a notary public.