Full Breakdown
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s Felon-Voting-Rights Restoration Faces Scrutiny Over Dead-Felon Citations
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In this breakdown
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Core Event: Restoration Notices Sent to a Deceased Individual
A public-records request revealed an executive citation addressed to “Betty No Last Name,” indicating that the individual’s voting, jury-service and public-office rights had been restored. The document bears the signatures of Governor Abigail Spanberger and Secretary of the Commonwealth Candi Mundon-King. Virginia Beach attorney Tim Anderson, who obtained the citation, said it appears to have been generated by a mail-merge and signed with an autopen rather than reviewed case-by-case. A Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office official confirmed the citation’s authenticity and provided a duplicate copy.
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Background & Context: Automatic Restoration Ballot Measure
The citations are part of a broader effort that has restored rights for more than 66,000 Virginians convicted of felonies. The process is slated for a statewide referendum on Nov. 3, which would make rights restoration automatic upon release from prison. Critics argue that the “individualized review” promised by the administration may be illusory, raising concerns about the integrity of the upcoming vote.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
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Official Statements & Responses
Governor Spanberger’s office declined to comment when contacted for comment. The Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office verified the citation’s existence but offered no explanation of the issuance procedure. Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Mi y a r e s questioned whether each case had truly been reviewed, stating, “Four mentions of ‘Betty No Last Name’ and still no last name. I’m thinking perhaps Abigail Spanberger’s ‘individualized review’ is just imaginary.”
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Criticism & Opposition
State Sen. Glen Sturtevant (R-Chesterfield) called for an independent audit of the restoration process, noting reports of similar citations sent to deceased individuals. Attorney Anderson warned that officials whose signatures appear on potentially fraudulent documents could face criminal liability and possible forfeiture of office.
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Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s clear [Spanberger] didn’t sign it. No governor and no secretary of the commonwealth would sign a restoration order that says Betty No Last Name, so they’re not looking at it; they didn’t review anything,” — Tim Anderson, virginia beach attorney
- “Four mentions of ‘Betty No Last Name’ and still no last name. I’m thinking perhaps Abigail Spanberger’s ‘individualized review’ is just imaginary,” — General Jason Miyares, former virginia attorney
- “Congratulations to Betty No Last Name,” — Del. Wren Williams