On Father’s Day I often reflect on the struggles my dad went through. Creating a stable environment for my brother and me to grow up in was an uphill battle, and as a former felon, that hill was steep. Later in life, we fought successfully for his voting rights to be restored and I know personally how much that meant to him.

He was one of the many reasons I fought so hard as Secretary of the Commonwealth under Governor McAuliffe to restore voting rights for thousands of Virginians who had served their time.

As Democrats, we are in the business of removing barriers, which is the exact opposite of what Governor Youngkin is doing.

If you haven’t already, please make a plan to vote in the Democratic primary this Tuesday. We need to elect leadership that will move the needle forward not backwards. We need to find a better way.

And to all the fathers out there, Happy Father’s Day!

Thank you!

Levar Stoney

Mayor of Richmond