Virginia Voting Records: 'Betty No Last Name' Appears in Felony Rights Restoration

An executive citation issued by the Virginia governor's office was addressed to a recipient identified as 'Betty No Last Name,' according to documents obtained this week. The paper appears to restore voting, jury, and public office rights for one of more than 66,000 Virginians processed under the current administration. The discovery emerged Thursday, three days before a statewide ballot measure seeks to make these restorations automatic upon release from prison.

Tim Anderson, a Virginia Beach attorney, obtained the citation through a public records request to the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office. Anderson stated that the document originated from Governor Abigail Spanberger's office before being sent to the sheriff. The citation includes the signatures of Spanberger and Secretary of the Commonwealth Candi Mundon-King. Anderson noted that neither official would typically sign an order containing a placeholder name, suggesting the documents were not individually reviewed.

The citation text reads, 'Whereas, Betty No Last Name, by reason of conviction(s), suffers political disabilities.' Anderson speculated that the papers were generated using a mail merge function and signed via autopen, despite language indicating each case received individual review. A Chesapeake sheriff's office official confirmed the veracity of the citation and provided an additional copy to reporters. Anderson believes similar errors may exist across the state, as he found the questionable document after contacting only a few law enforcement agencies.

Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares questioned the administration's review process in a statement. 'Four mentions of “Betty No Last Name” and still no last name. I’m thinking perhaps Abigail Spanberger’s “individualized review” is just imaginary,' Miyares said. He joined other critics in asking whether the executive branch is properly vetting the tens of thousands of records it has processed.

The finding gained traction on social media on Thursday. Critics pointed to the error as evidence supporting a 'no' vote on Question 3, the upcoming measure that would automate rights restoration. State Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield, called for an independent audit of the process. He cited recent reports of restoration notices being sent to deceased individuals alongside the Betty No Last Name case. 'Now a certificate for “Betty No Last Name,” signed by the governor. Still no audit. Vote no on Question 3,' Sturtevant said.

Del. Wren Williams, R-Stuart, also reacted to the documents. 'Congratulations to Betty No Last Name,' Williams said in a statement. 'You can now vote in Virginia.' The governor's office and the secretary's office had not responded to requests for comment by press time.

The controversy centers on a November 3 ballot measure that would change how Virginians regain political rights after serving a sentence. The process currently requires a review by the governor's office, a step that Anderson and other critics argue has been rushed or automated without proper checks.