Minnesota Election Judge Charged with Felonies

Timothy Michael Scouton, a 64-year-old head election judge in Badoura Township, Minnesota, has been charged with two felonies for allegedly allowing 11 unregistered voters to cast ballots during the November election. The investigation began after Hubbard County Auditor Kay Rave could not locate completed registration forms for these voters, leading to a sheriff's investigation where other election judges reported that Scouton instructed them not to use registration forms. Secretary of State Steve Simon acknowledged that the state's election system detected the issue but faced calls from GOP representatives for stricter voter ID laws in light of the incident. Scouton, who declined to comment during questioning, faces a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Despite the controversy, Simon emphasized the overall integrity of Minnesota's election system. Meanwhile, statewide election results are set to be certified soon, with ongoing recounts in two legislative races.