Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger’s administration is facing significant criticism and calls for investigation after rights-restoration notices containing QR codes linking to voter registration websites were reportedly sent to deceased individuals and even a household pet. The controversy has ignited a debate over the integrity of the state’s administrative processes and the oversight of the governor’s constitutional powers.
"This is not a question of whether people who have served their sentences deserve a second chance. This is a question of whether the Commonwealth is exercising one of the Governor’s constitutional powers with even the most basic level of review." Delegate Tom Garrett, Former U.S. Representative
The issue came to light when Republican lawmakers, including former state Delegate Nick Freitas, publicized a notice addressed to "Biscuit Rigsby," identified as a beagle-hound mix from Gum Springs who reportedly died five years ago. The paperwork, shared by Freitas, indicated that Biscuit's voting rights, along with rights to sit on a jury, hold office, notarize documents, and possess firearms, had been restored. Fox News Digital reached Biscuit's owner, who confirmed the authenticity of the letter while requesting anonymity to avoid political repercussions. The owner described the pet as a "good dog and is greatly missed."
The letters in question included a QR code that, when scanned, directed recipients to a website facilitating voter registration. This detail has fueled concerns among critics who argue that the process lacks adequate review and could compromise election integrity.
Governor Spanberger's office has pushed back against the accusations. A spokesperson for the governor stated, "Of course we did not restore the rights of a dog. We cannot disclose this individual’s information, but we can tell you that it is associated with a person with a date of birth and Social Security number." During a stop in Lexington for the Rural Center Summit, Governor Spanberger addressed questions about the notices. She distinguished between the restoration of rights and voter registration, stating, "The restoration of rights is based on someone’s right to be able to have their rights restored. That is not the same as being registered to vote." However, she did not provide a specific count of how many letters were sent to deceased Virginians, WSET reported.
The controversy extends beyond the "Biscuit Rigsby" case. Delegate Tom Garrett, a former U.S. representative and practicing attorney in Fluvanna County, cited a certificate addressed to "Betty No Last Name" of Chesapeake. This document was initially obtained by Virginia Beach attorney Tim Anderson and provided to Fox News Digital, subsequently circulating widely on social media. Furthermore, a constituent of Delegate Garrett in the Buckingham area reported receiving a letter addressed to a complete stranger. Other Virginians have also come forward with similar accounts, describing letters that restored the voting rights of relatives who had passed away years ago.
In response to these revelations, Delegate Garrett has demanded an independent audit of the governor’s rights restoration actions. He also called for the state to release the record that identified "Biscuit" as a convicted felon and initiated a broader investigation. Garrett underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "This is not a question of whether people who have served their sentences deserve a second chance. This is a question of whether the Commonwealth is exercising one of the Governor’s constitutional powers with even the most basic level of review."
The mailings are connected to Governor Spanberger's rights restoration program, which she announced in July had restored the rights of over 66,000 Virginians with felony convictions who had completed their sentences. By August, that total had reportedly climbed to 100,000 since she assumed office in January.
The timing of this controversy is particularly salient as Virginians are set to weigh in on three constitutional amendments on the state ballot this Tuesday. One of these amendments proposes making rights restoration automatic upon release from incarceration.
Beyond the specific notices, investigative reporter Luke Rosiak of the Daily Wire has separately raised concerns regarding Virginia’s election-integrity procedures, pointing to ID Confirmation Statements that permit voters to cast ballots without presenting identification. Critics of Governor Spanberger, a former CIA operative, have accused her of intentionally obscuring rules, which they claim could benefit her party. Online reactions have been fervent, with some social media users suggesting the alleged administrative errors are deliberate attempts to undermine election integrity.
