Woman Charged for Illegally Registering Dog to Vote in California

Authorities say the suspect cast ballots in the dog's name during multiple elections.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A California woman was arrested in 2021 after allegedly submitting voter registration information for her dog and participating in elections under the animal's identity. Officials said a ballot cast in the dog's name was counted in the 2021 recall election of California Governor Gavin Newsom, though a subsequent ballot tied to the same registration was rejected during the 2022 primary election.

Why it matters

The case has become a flashpoint in ongoing debates over election security and voter verification laws in California, with some arguing it highlights broader vulnerabilities in the state's election system.

The details

According to Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Laura Lee Yourex of Costa Mesa was charged after allegedly submitting voter registration information for her dog and participating in an election under the animal's identity. Officials said a ballot cast in the dog's name was counted in the 2021 recall election of California Governor Gavin Newsom, though a subsequent ballot tied to the same registration was rejected during the 2022 primary election.

  • In 2021, Yourex allegedly submitted voter registration information for her dog.
  • A ballot cast in the dog's name was counted in the 2021 recall election of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
  • A subsequent ballot tied to the same registration was rejected during the 2022 primary election.

The players

Laura Lee Yourex

A California woman who was arrested for allegedly submitting voter registration information for her dog and participating in elections under the animal's identity.

Todd Spitzer

The Orange County District Attorney who charged Yourex in the case.

Gavin Newsom

The California Governor whose recall election in 2021 saw a ballot cast in the dog's name.

Nick Shirley

A political commentator who argued the case highlights broader vulnerabilities in California's election system.

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What they’re saying

“Without any voter ID and negligence from the state government to update their voter rolls, California's one-party state has created a complex system where fraud is inevitable in their voting process.”

— Nick Shirley, Political commentator (wabcradio.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Laura Lee Yourex out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about election security and voter verification in California, raising questions about the state's policies and procedures for maintaining accurate voter rolls and preventing potential fraud.