Questions arise over Virginia voting rights restoration after dog named in records

Virginia's process for restoring voting rights has come under scrutiny after official documents appeared to restore civil rights in the name of a dog named Biscuit Rigsby, who died five years ago, WTVR CBS 6 reported.

Del. Tom Garrett called for an investigation after a Goochland constituent received documents showing rights restoration for Biscuit Rigsby, suggesting a possible error in the system.

Governor Abigail Spanberger's office responded that the record is actually connected to a living person with a proper name, Social Security number, and date of birth, and that the state did not restore rights to a dog.

Spanberger defended the state's process, emphasizing that every restored vote is linked to a person with verified identification. She also addressed a similar recent incident involving a restoration document issued under the name "Betty No Last Name," attributing it to a spreadsheet error.

The controversy comes just two days before Virginians vote on Question 3, which would make the restoration of voting rights automatic upon release from incarceration, highlighting the importance of accurate records in the process.