His victory is likely to provide a template for Republicans nationwide looking to clinch victory in purple and blue states.

More than 11,000 people had already signed up to vote.

More than three quarters are men. Just 20 percent were violent offenders. And African Americans are disproportionately represented.

“If we are going to build a stronger and more equal Virginia, we must break down barriers to participation in civic life for people who return to society seeking a second chance,” McAuliffe said.

But a judge will decide if Virginia can recall the nearly 1,700 license plates with the flag emblem already issued.

A 2002 court case ruled that it was allowed on free speech grounds, but a recent Supreme Court ruling in Texas throws that into question.