Virginians who are seeking a pardon for crimes committed now have a new website to submit a petition for clemency. Gov. Ralph Northam says the new site will reduce the backlog of requests and will provide a simpler method to request a pardon. The commonwealth did away with parole over 25 years ago and prisoners are required to serve 85% of their sentences before being considered for release. Lawmakers did not advance a parole restoration bill during the 2021 session.