On Friday, January 16, 2026, Whidbey News-Times reported that a motion for recusal has been filed in Island County Superior Court, adding another layer of complexity to an election disruption case that originated in 2024.
The motion, submitted by Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks, seeks to remove Judge Christon Skinner from the criminal case against Tracy Abuhl, a former vice chairperson of the Island County Republican Party. Abuhl faces a felony charge of unauthorized access to a voting center, along with two gross misdemeanor charges.
The request for Judge Skinner’s recusal stems from a Christmas party held at his residence last month for court personnel. Tim Hazelo, Abuhl’s co-plaintiff in two related lawsuits and the former chairperson of the Island County Republican Party, attended the gathering. Hazelo previously faced similar charges to Abuhl. Banks argues that Hazelo’s presence at the party, given his connection to Abuhl and the related legal matters, creates a conflict of interest. Banks highlighted that Judges Skinner and Carolyn Cliff had recused themselves from Hazelo’s criminal case, inferring it was due to Hazelo’s relationship with a court staff member, an inference Skinner later affirmed.
The underlying case dates back to October 2024, when Island County Auditor Sheilah Crider implemented a mask mandate in the ballot counting room due to a COVID-19 outbreak among elderly volunteers during the primary election ballot counting. Marshal Bo Miller of Coupeville reported that Abuhl, an election observer, repeatedly refused to wear a mask and was escorted from the premises after refusing to comply.
Abuhl’s attorney, Joel Ard, contests Banks’ motion, arguing it is a result of dissatisfaction with Judge Skinner’s ruling regarding the production of documents. Ard claims the timing of the recusal request is suspect, as Banks was aware that judges could make different decisions but only sought recusal after receiving an unfavorable ruling. Ard further stated that conflicting legal decisions should be resolved through the appellate process, not by disqualifying a judge.
During oral arguments, Judge Skinner clarified that he and Judge Carolyn Cliff jointly hosted the Christmas party. He also stated that he does not personally know Hazelo. In his ruling, Skinner denied Banks’ motion for recusal, stating that the recusal in Hazelo’s case does not necessitate recusal in Abuhl’s case, even if he reviews documents related to the Hazelo prosecution or civil suit.
Skinner asserted that the prosecutor failed to provide evidence of personal bias, personal knowledge of evidentiary facts, financial interest, or any other basis for disqualification under court rules. The case is now scheduled for a jury trial.
A Snohomish County judge previously presided over Hazelo’s case, resulting in a guilty verdict for unauthorized access to a voting center and criminal trespass in the first degree, though a disorderly conduct charge was dismissed. Hazelo’s conviction is currently under appeal, as is the lawsuit against the county auditor and the county.
Source: Whidbey News-Times
