Minnesota Election Judge Allegedly Let 11 Unregistered People Vote

A Minnesota election judge faces felony charges for allegedly allowing 11 unregistered individuals to vote.

At a Glance

Timothy Michael Scouton, an election judge in Minnesota, is charged with accepting votes from 11 unregistered individuals.
Scouton allegedly instructed other judges not to use registration forms and told new voters to sign a book instead.
If convicted, Scouton could face up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

Allegations of Misconduct

Timothy Michael Scouton, an election judge in Hubbard County, Minnesota, is facing serious legal consequences for allegedly allowing 11 unregistered individuals to vote during a recent election. The charges against Scouton include accepting votes from unregistered persons and neglect of duty, highlighting a significant breach in election protocol.

The irregularities came to light when Hubbard County Auditor Kay Rave discovered a discrepancy in the materials submitted by Scouton. Notably absent were the voter registration forms for the 11 individuals in question. This discovery prompted an investigation that uncovered troubling details about Scouton’s alleged actions.

Minnesota election judge charged with 2 felonies for allegedly letting 11 unregistered people vote https://t.co/nlw4hUfXOp

— The Minnesota Star Tribune (@StarTribune) November 16, 2024

Betrayal of Trust

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the response from state officials. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office has described the allegations as “extremely serious,” emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. The incident has been characterized as a deliberate failure to uphold the law and a betrayal of public trust.

“Election judges take an oath to administer elections in accordance with the law, a deliberate failure to do so is unlawful and a betrayal of the public trust,” Secretary of State Steve Simon’s office said.

Other election judges have reported that Scouton instructed them not to use registration forms, instead directing new voters to simply sign a book. This deviation from standard procedure has raised serious questions about the integrity of the voting process in Badoura Township, located near Park Rapids, approximately 160 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

Legal Consequences and Investigation

The charges against Scouton are severe. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. Scouton was arrested after declining to make a statement during an investigation meeting. He has since made an initial court appearance and was released pending a hearing scheduled for January 6.

As the legal process unfolds, this case serves as a reminder of the critical role election judges play in maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and proper training to ensure that all election officials uphold their sworn duties to administer elections fairly and in accordance with the law.