Local
Costa Mesa dog-voting case dismissed after billboard requirement
An Orange County voter-registration case was dismissed after a Costa Mesa woman completed a misdemeanor plea agreement requiring her to fund four anti-voter-fraud billboards.
The Orange County District Attorney's Office announced the resolution Thursday. Laura Lee Yourex pleaded guilty in April to one misdemeanor count of knowingly registering a nonexistent person to vote, according to the agency.
Prosecutors said Yourex had registered her dog, Maya Jean, and submitted mail ballots issued in the dog's name. The 2021 gubernatorial recall ballot was counted, while a ballot for the 2022 primary was challenged and rejected.
Case: Orange County Superior Court case 25WF3945
Plea: One misdemeanor count
Agreement: $1,500 for four anti-voter-fraud billboards
Case dismissed: October 13, 2026
Resolution announced: October 15, 2026
Billboards posted along Orange County freeways
The plea agreement required Yourex to pay for four billboards along the 55 and 22 freeways. The district attorney said the signs, featuring the dog's photo and a warning about voter fraud, will remain posted through the November 3 election.
The agency said it dismissed four felony counts and reduced another charge to the misdemeanor as part of the agreement. After Yourex completed its terms, the remaining case was dismissed in full.
Official announcement: Orange County District Attorney — October 15, 2026 →
Original local reporting: LAist — October 15, 2026 →