Election Integrity in Minnesota Questioned Following Election Judge Allegations

Chalkboard vote choice, "no" checked, American flag visible.

A Minnesota election judge faces felony charges for allegedly allowing unregistered individuals to vote in the 2024 election, raising concerns about election integrity in the state.

At a Glance

Timothy Michael Scouton, an election judge in Minnesota, is charged with felonies for allegedly allowing 11 unregistered people to vote.
The incident occurred in a small township of about 100 people, located 170 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
Scouton allegedly misinformed voters about registration requirements and directed them not to fill out proper paperwork.
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office emphasizes the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of adhering to election laws.
If convicted, Scouton could face up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Election Judge’s Alleged Misconduct

Timothy Michael Scouton, an election judge in Hubbard County, Minnesota, has been charged with felonies for allegedly allowing unregistered individuals to vote in the 2024 election. The incident took place in Badoura Township, a small community of about 100 people located approximately 170 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Scouton’s actions came to light after Hubbard County Auditor Kay Rave noticed discrepancies in the voting records and filed a formal complaint.

According to the investigation, Scouton allegedly misinformed voters about registration requirements and directed them not to fill out the Minnesota Voter Registration Application. This resulted in 11 individuals reportedly casting ballots without proper registration. Another election judge claimed ignorance of the registration forms, stating that Scouton had instructed them that new voters only needed to sign the back of a book.

Minnesota election judge faces felony charges over accepting unregistered votes https://t.co/Cc75AFJiwP

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Official Response and Legal Consequences

The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office has responded to the allegations with grave concern. In a statement, they emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the critical role election judges play in maintaining the integrity of the voting process.

Scouton has been arrested and charged with accepting the vote of an unregistered voter and neglect of duty by an election official. He made an initial court appearance and was released pending a hearing scheduled for January 6. If convicted, Scouton could face severe penalties, including a maximum of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Implications for Election Integrity

This case has raised significant concerns about election integrity in Minnesota and highlights the importance of proper training and adherence to election laws. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office further emphasized the crucial role of election judges in maintaining fair and lawful elections.

A statement from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office said: “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. Minnesota’s elections rely on the dedication and public service of 30,000 people and they are required to conduct their work fairly, impartially, and within the letter of the law. The Hubbard County Auditor took prompt and correct action in notifying local authorities of the uncovered discrepancies so they could investigate.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in the electoral process. It also underscores the need for thorough training of election officials and strict adherence to established procedures to prevent potential voter fraud and maintain public trust in the democratic system.