Former Election Judge Charged in Voting Case

Timothy Michael Scouton, 64, a head election judge in Badoura Township, Minnesota, has been charged with two felony counts for allegedly allowing 11 unregistered voters to cast ballots during the recent election. The investigation began when Hubbard County Auditor Kay Rave could not find completed voter registration forms among the returned materials. Witnesses reported that Scouton instructed them to bypass the registration forms and only have new voters sign the back of a book. After being advised of his rights, Scouton declined to provide a statement during his arrest. The Minnesota Secretary of State's office has labeled the allegations as 'extremely serious' and a breach of public trust, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Scouton is currently free on bail pending a court hearing set for January 6.