The action, which comes just days after the General Assembly wrapped up the 2016 legislative session, has the potential to expand the state’s voter rolls, currently estimated at about 5.4 million, by as much as 3.8 percent.

Virginia is one of 10 states that do not automatically restore rights upon completion of a felony sentence and one of only four states that require an application by the felon and action by the governor, according to the McAuliffe administration, which cited research showing one of every five African-Americans of voting age in Virginia has lost the right to vote.

Supporters praised McAuliffe for what they characterized as a bold step that will give ex-offenders a chance to fully participate in civic life. Opponents called it a potentially unconstitutional overreach that will further strain the relationship between the governor and the Republican-controlled legislature.

Schapiro: McAuliffe uses executive power to paint Virginia blue McAuliffe's surprise announcement has Republicans seeing red - not just the partisan color-code variety - and is certain to make Virginia's already-bitter politics more so.

In his speech, McAuliffe anticipated a strong response from Republicans, who said the order’s lack of distinction between violent crimes and less serious offenses will give murderers and rapists the right to vote, serve on juries, hold public office and notarize documents.