RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ A lawsuit that attempts to block more than 200,000 felons from voting this fall will be considered by the Virginia Supreme Court when it meets for a special session next month. The court said Wednesday it will consider Republican lawmakers’ lawsuit during a special session on July 19. GOP leaders have asked the court to reverse Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s executive order that restored the rights of thousands of felons who’ve completed their sentences. Republicans have urged the court to decide the case before Aug. 25 to ensure there’s enough time to cancel felons’ voter registrations if Republicans win the lawsuit. They argue governors must restore felons’ rights on a case-by-case basis. McAuliffe has called it a “meritless lawsuit” and says he’s confident the court will agree his action was allowed.
