Timothy Micheaal Scouton, a Minnesota election judge, has been charged after allegedly allowing unregistered voters to cast their ballots during the 2024 election. Scouton, who served as the head election judge for Badoura Township Precinct in Hubbard County, faces charges of neglecting his duties as an election official and accepting unregistered votes.
An election auditor discovered that 11 individuals had voted without completing the required registration forms, a violation of Minnesota election laws. Despite the missing paperwork, Scouton allegedly permitted these individuals to vote. This breach of election protocol raises concerns about the effectiveness of the oversight process and the integrity of the election in Hubbard County.
BREAKING: An ELECTION JUDGE in Hubbard County, Minnesota, has been ARRESTED and charged with two felony counts for allowing 11 UNREGISTERED people to vote in the 2024 election.
His name is Timothy Scouton, and he's now facing up to ten years in prison and up to $20,000 in… pic.twitter.com/xGh2CvKjuk
— Candace (@roycan79) November 16, 2024
Other election judges who worked with Scouton confirmed the claims, saying that they were instructed by him to bypass proper registration procedures. One judge reported that Scouton told her not to use the correct forms, while another judge revealed that Scouton directed her to have voters sign a book instead of completing the required registration forms.
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office has condemned the actions of Scouton, calling the charges “very serious.” The office stressed that election judges are entrusted with a significant responsibility and must follow the law to ensure fair and transparent elections. “Election judges must administer elections fairly, impartially, and in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
ELECTION INTEGRITY: Another election judge has been arrested after authorities in Minnesota learned he was allowing people who were NOT registered to vote in the 2024 election. MN allows same-day registration with ID but the judge just had people sign his book instead. pic.twitter.com/BHcnWaaN7O
— @amuse (@amuse) November 18, 2024
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
The investigation, prompted by the Hubbard County Auditor’s swift actions, is ongoing. As the case develops, it underscores the critical importance of election officials adhering to established procedures. Maintaining the integrity of the voting process is vital to upholding public trust in elections.
