Virginia lawmaker demands investigation after deceased dog receives voting rights restoration

Delegate Tom Garrett, a Republican from Buckingham, is calling for an investigation into the Virginia Governor’s office after a constituent received an official certificate restoring the voting and jury-service rights of a deceased pet.

The recipient of the document reported that Biscuit, a beagle-hound mix from Goochland County, died approximately five years ago. Despite the animal's death, the official document, which bears Governor Abigail Spanberger’s signature, states that the executive reviewed the particulars of the criminal case and determined that rights should be restored.

This incident follows a previous controversy in Chesapeake involving a purported convict lacking a surname. The situation has raised questions regarding the vetting process used by the Governor’s office, occurring shortly before a ballot measure that would make voting rights restoration automatic for felons.