Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's initiative to restore voting rights to over 66,000 convicted felons has become a point of controversy following the discovery of an executive citation addressed to "Betty No Last Name." The citation, which restores the recipient's rights to vote, serve on juries, and hold public office, was obtained by Virginia Beach attorney Tim Anderson through a public records request.
Anderson stated that the citation, which bears the signatures of the governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth Candi Mundon-King, suggests a lack of individual review for each case. "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," Anderson told Fox News Digital.
The executive citation obtained by Anderson reads, "Whereas, Betty No Last Name, by reason of conviction(s), suffers political disabilities..." This has led to speculation that the citations may have been generated through a mail merge process and signed using an automated system, despite language indicating individualized review.
Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares echoed these concerns, questioning the administration's review process. "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 in a statement.
The controversy emerges as Virginia prepares for a Nov. 3 ballot measure that would make voting rights restoration automatic upon release from prison. Critics, including State Sen. Glen Sturtevant and Del. Wren Williams, have pointed to the "Betty No Last Name" citation as a reason to vote against the measure, with Sturtevant urging voters to "Vote No on Question 3."
Anderson stated he found the questionable citation after contacting a limited number of Virginia law enforcement agencies and believes similar cases may exist elsewhere. He also suggested that officials whose signatures appear on such documents could face legal consequences if the citations are found to be fraudulent, potentially leading to forfeiture of office.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Spanberger's office, Mundon-King, and the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office for comment. An official at the sheriff's office indicated they were not immediately familiar with the specific case but would investigate.