Felony counts of identity theft and unlawful voting have been filed against conservative media figures James O’Keefe and Cam Higby following an investigation into their conduct during a Minnesota primary. The charges, announced Wednesday by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, stem from an incident on August 11 where the pair allegedly misrepresented themselves at polling places.
According to prosecutors, O’Keefe and Higby entered polling locations during the state's primary election and attempted to use the names of registered voters to obtain ballots. The investigation revealed that the names used included those of individuals who were unaware of the activity, as well as names belonging to deceased persons.
The Alleged Polling Place Misconduct
The investigation into James O’Keefe Minnesota charges began after the office of Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon flagged the behavior of the two men. During a press conference, Moriarty detailed how the pair allegedly navigated the voting process by identifying themselves as specific registered voters within various precincts.
While the defendants reportedly participated in the initial stages of the voting process, they did not complete the final step of the transaction. "Both men stopped short of signing the oath we all sign before receiving our ballot," Moriarty noted during the announcement of the charges. Despite this, the prosecutor emphasized that Minnesota law prohibits any intentional misrepresentation of identity when applying for a ballot.
Key facts regarding the charges include:
* Date of Incident: August 11, during the Minnesota state primary election.
* Charges Filed: Felony counts of unlawful voting and identity theft.
* Location: Multiple polling places within Hennepin County.
* Legal Status: The defendants are not currently in custody but will receive a summons to appear in court.
Exploiting the Minnesota Vouching System
The pair reportedly targeted a specific provision in state law known as the Minnesota vouching system. This long-standing rule allows a registered voter to vouch for up to eight other voters in the same precinct on Election Day. It is also a system utilized by staff at residential facilities to assist their residents in the voting process.
O’Keefe and Higby allegedly sought to highlight what they perceived as flaws in this system. To do so, they utilized disguises and hidden cameras to document their interactions with election workers. O’Keefe later shared footage of the operation on social media, admitting that they dressed in what he described as "Muslim garb," which included a full-face veil known as a niqab for one of the participants.
Reactions from State Election Officials
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon issued a sharp rebuke of the influencers' actions. He suggested that while the pair intended to cast doubt on election laws that have been active for half a century, they instead demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding how those laws function in practice.
Simon characterized the behavior as a disruption to the democratic process. "The misconduct by this group is outrageous and totally unacceptable," Simon stated, adding that the state maintains a zero-tolerance policy for lawbreaking or deception at polling sites.
Local law enforcement conducted interviews with the registered voters whose identities were allegedly misappropriated by O’Keefe and Higby. While it was confirmed that the pair used the names of both living and deceased residents, Moriarty stated that investigators have not yet determined how the defendants obtained the specific names used in the operation.
Background on James O’Keefe and Cam Higby
This is not the first time James O’Keefe has faced legal or professional scrutiny regarding his methods. As the founder of Project Veritas, a role he was removed from in 2023, O’Keefe frequently utilized undercover stings to target various organizations. In 2024, O’Keefe and his former organization settled a lawsuit involving a Pennsylvania postmaster related to false claims of voter fraud during the 2020 election.
Cam Higby, who is charged alongside O’Keefe, is a conservative journalist and YouTuber. Higby maintains a significant social media presence, including a YouTube channel with approximately 285,000 subscribers. Neither man has issued a formal response to the felony charges as of Wednesday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific James O’Keefe Minnesota charges?
O'Keefe and Higby have been charged with felony counts of identity theft and unlawful voting. These charges relate to their alleged misrepresentation of their identities at polling places during the August primary.
What is the Minnesota vouching system?
The vouching system is a legal process in Minnesota that allows a registered voter to verify the residency of another person in the same precinct. This allows individuals who may lack certain documentation to cast a ballot if a neighbor or residential facility staff member vouches for them.
Did James O’Keefe and Cam Higby actually vote?
While the pair applied for ballots using other people's names, they reportedly did not sign the final required oath. However, under Minnesota law, the act of intentionally misrepresenting one's identity when applying for a ballot is a criminal offense.