Virginia lawmaker demands inquiry after voting rights certificate issued to dead dog

Delegate Tom Garrett, a Republican from Buckingham, is demanding an investigation after a constituent received an official voting rights restoration certificate for a deceased dog named Biscuit. The New York Post and Fox News both reported that Biscuit was a beagle-hound mix from Goochland County in Southside Virginia that died approximately five years ago. [1][2]

The incident follows a previous controversy in Chesapeake regarding a purported convict without a surname who had rights restored under the name Betty No Last Name. The New York Post and Fox News reported that these discoveries are raising fresh questions about the vetting process of Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger. Spanberger is an American politician who has served as the 75th governor of Virginia since 2026. [1][2][4]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Governor Spanberger restored the voting rights of 66,085 former felons in July 2026. Under the Virginia constitution, voting rights are automatically and permanently removed from individuals convicted of felonies. Her administration previously launched a review to determine whether rights restored to thousands of former felons incorrectly included deceased individuals. [6]

The latest discovery comes just days before voters decide on an Election Day ballot measure supported by Richmond Democrats. According to the New York Post and Fox News, the proposed measure would make the restoration of voting rights for former felons automatic. [1][2]