Minnesota Election Judge Charged for Allegedly Letting 11 Unregistered People Vote
Investigation Reveals Potential Election Fraud
A man who served as a head election judge in a Minnesota township has been charged with two felony counts for allegedly letting 11 people vote even though they weren’t registered.
Charges Stem from Investigation into Missing Voter Registration Forms
Officials began investigating after Hubbard County Auditor Kay Rave could not find any completed voter registration forms among the ballots and other materials returned by Timothy Michael Scouton, 64, of Nevis, who had been head election judge in the Badoura Township precinct, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday.
Election Judges Recount Their Experiences
Another election judge told an investigator from the county sheriff’s office that Scouton directed them not to use the registration forms, the complaint said, while another said Scouton told them that new voters needed only to sign the back of a book.
Scouton Refuses to Comment on Allegations
The complaint said the investigator then met with Scouton at the sheriff’s office. He was advised of his rights but declined to make a statement, and was then put under arrest, the complaint said. The complaint did not give a potential motive.
Scouton Released Pending Next Hearing
Scouton made his initial court appearance Friday and was released pending his next hearing Jan. 6. He did not immediately return a call seeking comment Saturday, and his attorney declined to comment on the case.
Secretary of State Calls Allegations “Extremely Serious”
The office of Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon called the allegations “extremely serious” and said they must be thoroughly investigated.
“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 office said in a statement.
Charges Carry Significant Penalties
The charges carry maximum penalties of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Township Location
Badoura Township is just east of Park Rapids, or about 160 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
Conclusion
The allegations against Timothy Michael Scouton are a serious violation of the public trust and a potential threat to the integrity of the electoral process. The investigation and subsequent charges demonstrate the importance of ensuring the accuracy and legitimacy of election results.
FAQs
* Who is Timothy Michael Scouton?
+ Timothy Michael Scouton is a 64-year-old man from Nevis, Minnesota, who served as a head election judge in the Badoura Township precinct.
* What are the allegations against Scouton?
+ Scouton is alleged to have allowed 11 unregistered people to vote in the election.
* What are the charges against Scouton?
+ Scouton has been charged with two felony counts related to election fraud.
* What are the potential penalties for Scouton?
+ The charges carry maximum penalties of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
* Has Scouton commented on the allegations?
+ No, Scouton has declined to comment on the allegations.
