Virginia Voting Rights Debate Hit by 'Betty No Last Name' Citation Error

A bizarre document has thrown a wrench into the gears of Virginia’s voting rights debate. Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s administration recently moved to restore voting rights for over 66,000 convicted felons. But an attorney just found a citation addressed to "Betty No Last Name." The recipient supposedly had her right to vote, serve on juries, and seek public office restored. This discovery landed Thursday, just days before the Nov. 3 ballot measure. That measure would make rights restoration automatic upon prison release.

Tim Anderson, a Virginia Beach attorney, pulled the document through a public records request to the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office. He shared it with Fox News Digital. Anderson claims the citation originated from Spanberger’s office. It was sent to local law enforcement. The document bears the signatures of the governor and Secretary of the Commonwealth Candi Mundon-King. Yet the name field remains blank, save for the placeholder text.

"It’s a big deal," Anderson said. He argued the oversight proves a systemic failure. "It’s clear [Spanberger] didn’t sign it," Anderson told Fox News Digital. "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." The citation itself reads: "Whereas, Betty No Last Name, by reason of conviction(s), suffers political disabilities …"

Anderson suspects a mail merge error generated these documents. He believes an autopen signed them. This contradicts language in the files claiming each case received individual review. Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares echoed these concerns. "Four mentions of ‘Betty No Last Name’ and still no last name," Miyares wrote in a statement. "I’m thinking perhaps Abigail Spanberger’s ‘individualized review’ is just imaginary."

The timing is awkward. Reports have already surfaced that restoration notices went to deceased individuals. Now, this placeholder name adds fuel to the fire. Anderson said he contacted only a handful of law enforcement agencies. He expects more errors are hiding in the system. He warned that officials could face criminal liability if the documents are fraudulent. That could mean forfeiture of office.

Critics are piling on. State Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield, has called for an independent audit. "Now a certificate for 'Betty No Last Name,' signed by the governor," Sturtevant said. "Still no audit. Vote no on Question 3." Del. Wren Williams, R-Stuart, took a more mocking tone. "Congratulations to Betty No Last Name," Williams added. "You can now vote in Virginia."

Fox News Digital reached out to Spanberger, Mundon-King, and the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office. A sheriff's official said she was not immediately familiar with the case but would look into it. The controversy threatens to overshadow the upcoming election. Voters will decide whether to automate this process next week. For now, "Betty" remains a symbol of alleged bureaucratic negligence.