Records of the Secretary of the Commonwealth: Requests for Pardons and Restoration of Rights, 2001-2013 (bulk 2010-2013)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Extent:
13 cu. ft. (13 boxes)
Creator:
Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists primarily of correspondence from petitioners requesting either a pardon, clemency, or the restoration of rights. It also includes supporting documentation from petitioners, as well as correspondence between agencies and the Parole Board.

Biographical / historical:

Robert F. McDonnell was elected 71st governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia in November 2009 and inaugurated on 16 January 2010. He served until 11 January 2014. Janet Vestal Kelly (formerly Janet Polarek until 2012) served as the Secretary of the Commonwealth throughout McDonnell's tenure. She had previously served as the Chief Operations Officer during his gubernatorial campaign and as a staff member while McDonnell served as Attorney General.

The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth has evolved from early colonial times when there existed a Secretary of the Colony. The Office became a gubernatorial appointment subsequent to a 1958 Act of the Assembly. The Secretary of the previous hit Commonwealth next hit is under the jurisdiction of the Governor's Office. The Secretary is appointed by the Governor for a term of four years. Currently the Secretary of the Commonwealth is responsible for gubernatorial appointments, clemency and restoration of civil rights requests and extraditions. Other responsibilities include authenticating and certifying the records of the courts and of any state agency.

Acquisition information:
Transferred from the Virginia Secretary of Administration on January 23, 2014.
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into two series:

  • Series I: Pardons
  • Series II: Restoration of Rights