Virginia Governor's Office Sent Voting Rights Letter to Deceased Dog

A beagle mix named Biscuit received an official letter from the Virginia governor's office stating that her civil rights had been restored, according to documents reviewed by a state delegate.

The letter, dated Sept. 23, was addressed to Biscuit Rigsby at a home in Goochland County. It informed the recipient that Gov. Abigail Spanberger had restored the right to vote, serve on a jury, become a notary public, and hold public office. The dog had been deceased for approximately five years. Del. Tom Garrett, a Republican representing parts of central Virginia, identified the error after a constituent received the paperwork. He has since called for an independent investigation into the state's restoration-of-rights process.

The owner of Biscuit, who spoke to Fox News on condition of anonymity, confirmed the letter was real. He noted that the dog was never convicted of a felony and showed no prior interest in politics. "To my knowledge, she was never convicted of a felony, nor did she ever show any interest in voting," the owner said. Garrett highlighted the issue on social media, including a birthday post for the dog and a request for a rabies certificate to prove her existence. He also clarified the dog's pronouns in a follow-up post.

Reaction to the incident spread beyond Virginia. South Carolina Sen. Josh Kimbrell, a Republican, shared the story on Facebook, confirming the event. "YES THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED. Virginia extended the right to vote to a dead dog! WOW," he wrote. Garrett compared the situation to the Scooby-Doo mystery series, suggesting the full explanation had not yet emerged.

The governor's administration disputes that a dog was granted rights. A spokesperson told news outlets that the restoration was associated with a person who has a date of birth and a Social Security number. The office could not disclose the individual's specific information. The administration has not yet publicly explained why the dog's name appeared on the documents.

The controversy arises as Virginia voters prepare for Tuesday, Nov. 3, when they will vote on a constitutional amendment. The proposal would automatically restore certain civil rights to people convicted of felonies after they complete their sentences. The letter sent to Biscuit did not register anyone to vote, and no evidence indicates that a ballot was cast in the dog's name.