California Police say a woman tried to game the system by registering her dog to vote — and even succeeded once.
Laura Lee Yourex, 62, of Costa Mesa, has been charged with five felonies after prosecutors allege she used her dog, Maya Jean Yourex, to cast ballots in two California elections.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Yourex allegedly registered Maya as a voter and successfully submitted a ballot in her pet’s name during the 2021 recall election for Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The vote went through because California elections do not require proof of ID or residence to register.
The following year, during the 2022 primary election, Maya’s ballot was flagged and rejected — but by then, prosecutors say, the damage had already been done.
Investigators say they uncovered social media posts tying Yourex to the alleged fraud.
One photo from January 2022 showed Maya with an “I Voted” sticker and a ballot. Another, shared in October 2024 — after Maya’s death — displayed the dog’s tag alongside a fresh vote-by-mail ballot with the caption, “maya is still getting her ballot.”
The Orange County registrar reported the suspicious activity last October after Yourex herself “self-reported” what she had done. Prosecutors concluded there was enough evidence to bring charges, including perjury, false registration, and casting ballots when not entitled to vote.
“This is a blatant violation of election laws,” the DA’s office said.
If convicted, Yourex faces prison time. It remains unclear whether she has obtained legal representation.
The 2021 recall election ultimately failed, with nearly 62% of voters choosing to keep Newsom in office. Prosecutors did not disclose Yourex’s party affiliation.
