James O’Keefe and Cam Higby Charged With Unlawful Voting and Identity Theft Over Minnesota Primary Sting

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 28 (TodayViralUSA) — Prosecutors in Minnesota’s Hennepin County on Wednesday charged conservative activists James O’Keefe and Cam Higby with felony unlawful voting and identity theft, accusing them of posing as registered voters at polling places during the state’s Aug. 11 primary to film hidden-camera videos.

O’Keefe, 42, and Higby, 26, each face both charges, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said, less than a week before the Nov. 3 general election.

What prosecutors allege

According to the county attorney’s office, the two men visited multiple precincts in Hennepin County and gave election judges the names of registered voters in those precincts without the voters’ knowledge or permission. They filmed the encounters and posted the videos on social media in what prosecutors described as an effort to sow doubt about Minnesota’s voting systems.

Prosecutors said neither man signed the required voter oath or cast a ballot, but that both intentionally misrepresented their identities when applying for ballots. Minnesota law bars anyone from misrepresenting their identity when applying for a ballot, depositing one or attempting to vote on a voting machine.

Officials respond

“Elections are the bedrock of democracy and their protection is one of our highest priorities. Individuals engaging in unlawful conduct related to our elections will be held accountable,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said, adding that her office has met regularly with county election staff ahead of both the primary and general elections.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said polling places “should be places of safety and peace,” and that “any attempt to disrupt or deceive our election workers will not be tolerated.”

Background

O’Keefe founded the undercover-video group Project Veritas and later started O’Keefe Media Group, known for hidden-camera stings aimed at political and media figures. The charges arrive amid intense national focus on election security as the midterms approach.