California Woman Charged with Registering Dog to Vote
A California woman, Laura Lee Yourex, has been charged with registering her dog to vote in two elections. Prosecutors say she cast ballots in her pet’s name twice, facing five felony charges that could result in up to six years in prison.
Yourex submitted a mail-in ballot under the name of her dog, Maya Jean Yourex, in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election, which was counted. She attempted to do so again in the 2022 primary election, but that ballot was rejected. The Orange County Attorney General’s Office announced the charges, stating that Yourex self-reported her actions in 2024. If convicted on all charges, she could face up to six years in prison.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about election integrity and the potential for fraudulent activities in voting systems. Additionally, it brings attention to the broader debate surrounding mail-in voting and its implications for electoral processes. California, which does not require ID for state elections, is now facing legal battles against Trump’s proposals to restrict mail-in voting.