Minnesota election judge faces charges over accepting unregistered votes

A Minnesota election judge is facing charges after allegedly allowing people who were not properly registered to vote in the 2024 election. Timothy Michael Scouton, who was the head election judge for the Badoura Township Precinct in Hubbard County, Minnesota, has been charged with one count of accepting the vote of an unregistered voter and one count of neglect of duty by an election official, both of which are felonies.

According to a report from Fox 9, police were alerted by an election auditor that 11 voters had not completed the proper registration forms but were still allowed to vote without completing the required forms to authenticate their identity. This occurred despite Scouton reportedly completing his election judge training and head election judge training in July.

Authorities interviewed another judge who worked with Scouton on election night, who stated that Scouton instructed her not to use the proper registration forms. Another judge working with Scouton mentioned that she was not aware of the correct forms and was instructed by Scouton to have voters sign the back of a book.

Scouton was arrested on these charges by the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office and declined to provide a statement. The Minnesota Secretary of State acknowledged the severity of the charges, calling them “very serious.” The Secretary of State’s office emphasized the importance of fair and lawful election practices, stating that election judges are required to conduct their work impartially and in accordance with the law.

The Secretary of State’s office also commended the Hubbard County Auditor for promptly notifying local authorities of the discrepancies so they could be investigated thoroughly. It is essential to ensure the integrity of the election process and maintain public trust in the electoral system.

In conclusion, the allegations against Scouton highlight the critical need for election officials to uphold the law and administer elections fairly. The investigation into this incident underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that all voters are properly registered before casting their ballots.