(DCNF)—A 62-year-old California woman was charged Friday with five felonies for illegally registering her dog to vote and casting ballots in her dog’s name in the 2021 state gubernatorial recall election and the 2022 primary election, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s office.
California’s elections were significantly changed in 2021 after Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 37, making universal mail-in voting permanent and requiring counties to automatically mail ballots to all active, registered voters. According to a press release from the Orange County’s DA office, 62-year-old Laura Lee Yourex of Costa Mesa has been charged with one felony count of perjury, one felony count of procuring or offering a false or forged document to be filed, two felony counts of casting a ballot when not entitled to vote, and one felony count of registering a non-existent person to vote.
In October 2024, the DA’s office was contacted by the Orange County Registrar of Voters’ Office after a resident allegedly self-reported that she registered her dog to vote. The resident claimed that she cast a mail-in ballot addressed to her dog, Maya, for the 2021 gubernatorial recall election and the 2022 primary election.
“The dog’s vote was successfully counted in the 2021 gubernatorial recall election but was rejected in the 2022 primary,” the press release states.
Per the California Elections Code, in order to register to vote in the state, a voter would need to fill out and submit an Affidavit of Registration, which includes the voter’s name, residence, mailing address, date of birth, political party preference and a certification that the voter is a citizen of the United States.
With proof of residence not required when dropping off or casting a ballot during an election, it is required when first registering.
“As a result, the 2022 primary ballot cast in Maya Jean’s name was challenged and rejected,” the press release states. “The 2021 election to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom was voted down by 61.9% of voters.”
Upon the Orange County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation looking into the case, officials found “sufficient evidence” to file criminal charges against Yourex.
According to the press release, Yourex allegedly posted on her social media a picture of her dog in January 2022 “wearing an ‘I voted’ sticker and posing with her ballot.” An additional photo was allegedly posted on Yourex’s social media in October 2024, showing her dog’s tag and a vote-by-mail ballot with the caption, “maya is still getting her ballot,” despite the dog having previously passed away.
Yourex is scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 9 and faces a maximum sentence of six years in state prison if convicted on all counts.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.