A Minnesota election judge is facing serious legal trouble after being charged with two felonies for allegedly allowing unregistered voters to cast ballots in the 2024 election. Timothy Michael Scouton, head election judge for the Badoura Township Precinct in Hubbard County, stands accused of neglecting crucial voter registration protocols, a move that has raised concerns about election integrity in the state.
Scouton has been charged with two felonies: accepting the vote of an unregistered voter and neglect of duty by an election official. These charges stem from an investigation initiated by the Hubbard County Auditor, who discovered discrepancies in voter registration records.
Fox 9 Minneapolis reports that Scouton underwent basic and head election judge training earlier this year, making the allegations particularly troubling given his level of responsibility.
The investigation began on November 7, when the Hubbard County election auditor contacted Scouton regarding missing voter registration forms for 11 individuals. According to the criminal complaint, Scouton admitted he could not locate the forms. Eventually, the auditor found them but discovered they had not been used on election day.
Scouton allegedly instructed another election judge not to use the Minnesota Voter Registration Application form, a key document for verifying voter eligibility. This directive violated state election laws designed to prevent unregistered individuals from voting.
Scouton’s son, who also served as an election judge, was responsible for greeting voters and ensuring their proper registration. However, the criminal complaint suggests that Scouton’s son, along with other judges under Scouton’s supervision, failed to enforce these protocols.
Another election judge told investigators he was unaware that registration forms were necessary. Instead, Scouton reportedly directed new voters to simply sign the back of a book, bypassing the legal requirements for voter verification.
This casual approach to voter registration has led to serious accusations against Scouton, who was arrested at the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office. Scouton declined to provide a statement to authorities, further fueling speculation about his role in the alleged misconduct.
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office has condemned the alleged actions as a severe breach of public trust. In a statement, the office emphasized the vital role of election judges in maintaining the integrity of the voting process.
“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,” the statement read. “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 Secretary of State’s Office also commended the Hubbard County Auditor for promptly identifying the discrepancies and ensuring a swift investigation by local law enforcement.
If convicted, Scouton could face significant penalties. Each felony charge carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, meaning Scouton could potentially spend a decade behind bars and pay up to $20,000 in fines.
The case underscores the severe consequences of failing to adhere to election laws, particularly as election integrity remains a hot-button issue in American politics.
Scouton’s arrest marks a rare instance of an election official facing criminal charges for alleged misconduct. This case could set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future, especially as public scrutiny of election processes continues to grow.
In recent years, election integrity has become a central focus of political discourse, with both major parties emphasizing the need for transparent and secure voting procedures. Cases like Scouton’s highlight the potential vulnerabilities in the system and the importance of holding election officials accountable.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the alleged violations. As the legal process unfolds, Scouton’s case will likely serve as a cautionary tale for election officials across the country.
This incident also raises broader questions about the training and oversight of election judges, as well as the mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with voter registration laws.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring that Minnesota’s election processes uphold the highest standards of integrity, a goal shared by election officials and voters alike.
