Joseph Tomas Alligood Sr., in Beaufort County District Court on Thursday, pleaded guilty to interfering with an elections official and second-degree criminal trespass.

Judge Michael Paul granted the defense attorney Ernest L. Conner Jr.’s request for a prayer for judgment continued. A PJC is a judge-granted remedy that is a finding of guilt without an entry of judgment for a criminal or traffic offense. Paul ordered Alligood to pay court costs.

Alligood, 75, of 1330 Mill Hole Road, Washington, was served a misdemeanor criminal summons Nov. 4 after an incident at the Beaufort County Board of Elections on Nov. 2. The summons charged that Alligood “did interfere with the performance of any duty imposed by law upon of an election officer, Scott Sheppard, and Anita Branch by representing he was present to vote knowingly he had previously voted.” That action, according to the summons, violates General Statue 163-274 (A)(3). Violation of that statute is a Class 2 misdemeanor. The statute reads that it “shall be unlawful … for any person to break up or by force or violence to stay or interfere with the holding of any primary or election, to interfere with the possession of any ballot box, election book, ballot, or return sheet by those entitled to possession of the same under the law, or to interfere in any manner with the performance of any duty imposed by law upon any election officer or member of any board of elections.”

The trespassing charge stemmed from Alligood’s refusal to leave the board’s office after being notified “not to enter or remain there” by Kellie Harris Hopkins, the county’s elections director, according to the summons.

In a Nov. 4 interview, Alligood said he wanted to “test” the system by attempting to vote twice, saying he was worried about voter fraud after hearing about such fraud in the media. He denied threatening elections officials.

Assistant District Attorney Tom Anglim told the court the Alligood “interjected” himself into an office at the Board of Elections as elections officials discussed Alligood’s presence at the Board of Elections. Although there was a disturbance, no voters marking ballots during the early voting process were delayed in voting, Anglim said.

Alligood did not speak during Thursday’s trial. His attorney, Conner, explained what led to Alligood’s charges. “The press was making a big deal about some issues … including voter fraud.” Conner said Alligood was under the impression that perhaps his vote did not count because of confusion regarding his identity. Alligood has a son, Joseph Thomas Alligood Jr. Conner said Alligood planned to ask for a ballot and vote a second time, and when an elections official handed him the ballot, Alligood intended to tell that official, “You’re system is not working.”

Conner said Alligood is “terribly embarrassed about it” and “deeply ashamed.” Conner said Alligood was influenced by media reports of voter fraud.

Before entering his judgment, Paul said there is “no more fundamental right” than voting, adding that voting is a “sacred right.” Noting that Alligood has no criminal record and no voting fraud was committed, Paul imposed the prayer for judgment continued.