The deadline for nonviolent felons to apply for the restoration of their voting rights in time to participate in the 2008 elections is rapidly approaching.

Gov. Tim Kaine has said that if those eligible to have their voting rights restored want to do so in time for the presidential election, they must file their paperwork to the secretary of the commonwealth by Aug. 1.

"There are a lot of people who are eligible to vote but don't know it ... who believe because they're a felon they can't," said Tony Reed, a probation officer who is the executive director of the Dorcas House, a community transitional program in Roanoke. Reed also serves as the chairman of the Roanoke City Democratic Committee.

He said that those interested in applying for restoration of their rights should download the forms from www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/Forms or call (804) 786-2441. To qualify, felons must be a state resident; have paid all costs, fines and restitutions connected to the conviction; and have either waited three years after all court obligations were fulfilled for a nonviolent felony, or had no prior conviction for driving while intoxicated for at least five years before applying.

The state also requires a number of documents, including certified copies of all criminal felony court orders and sentencing reports; three reference letters from reputable citizens; a letter from one's probation or parole officer; and copies of pre-sentencing and post-sentencing reports.

Those convicted of a violent felony also may apply for restoration of their voting rights after serving their sentence, but they're required to fill out a longer form. The secretary of the commonwealth's Web site notes that action on long-form applications takes longer.