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The issue came to light when an election auditor noticed irregularities during the November 7 election. The auditor discovered that 11 voters failed to complete proper registration forms, which are crucial for verifying voter identities. When questioned, Scouton reportedly claimed he couldn’t locate the missing forms, according to the criminal complaint.
Eventually, the auditor found the forms but was informed by Scouton that neither he nor his team had used them during the election. This raised red flags and prompted the auditor to report the issue to local authorities. By November 13, law enforcement confirmed that 11 ballots had been cast by individuals who bypassed the legally mandated voter registration process.
As investigators dug deeper, other election judges working alongside Scouton provided troubling testimonies. One judge stated that Scouton explicitly instructed her not to use the Minnesota Voter Registration Application form, which is a critical tool for ensuring voters meet registration requirements.
Adding to the controversy, Scouton’s son, who also served as an election judge at the same precinct, was allegedly responsible for registering voters. However, instead of using proper forms, Scouton reportedly told voters to simply sign the back of a book, bypassing the formal registration process.
Another judge admitted to being unaware of the existence or necessity of voter registration forms, further illustrating the lack of proper training or communication under Scouton’s supervision.
Following Scouton’s arrest, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office issued a stern statement, calling the allegations “extremely serious.” The statement emphasized the importance of election judges adhering to the law and maintaining public trust in the electoral 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. It also praised the Hubbard County Auditor for taking swift action to report the discrepancies to law enforcement.
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Scouton was arrested at the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office but declined to provide a statement to investigators. His actions have sparked renewed discussions about election security, voter verification protocols, and the training standards for election officials.
This incident underscores the critical role election judges play in maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. As this case unfolds, it will likely reignite debates on safeguarding elections and ensuring every vote is legally cast and counted.
The charges against Scouton are a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting election laws. While Minnesota boasts one of the nation’s most robust electoral systems, incidents like this highlight the importance of vigilance and accountability in every precinct.
Zero possibility Keith Ellison will prosecute if a dem.