Minnesota Files Charges Against Two Video Creators Over Undercover Voting Stunt

Two media figures face criminal charges in Minnesota following the publication of an undercover video project intended to highlight rules regarding voter identification at polling locations. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced that James O'Keefe and Cam Higby each face one count of unlawful voting and one count of identity theft. According to charging documents, neither man is currently in custody.

The charges stem from an August video titled "I Wore Burqa To EXPOSE Election FRAUD In Minneapolis," which remains posted on social media. Prosecutors stated that the two men approached election judges at multiple Minneapolis voting precincts wearing garments covering their faces, utilized fake accents, and used the personal identities of real Minnesota residents without their knowledge or permission.

Investigators and local officials emphasized that the project violated state laws regarding election integrity and identity protection. Moriarty stated in a released statement that elections represent a fundamental cornerstone of democracy and that individuals who participate in unlawful actions concerning the voting process will face accountability. Minnesota's chief election official, Steve Simon, added that attempts to deceive or disrupt election workers will not receive toleration.

The video project aimed to test regulations that allow registered residents to vouch for the identities of other voters at polling stations. Prosecutors noted that while no actual ballots were cast during the undertaking, the unauthorized use of real voter identities constitutes a violation of state statutes. Each individual charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and financial penalties reaching $10,000.

In response to the announcement, O'Keefe characterized the legal action as weaponized lawfare and asserted that his activities constituted protected journalistic conduct under the Constitution, vowing to contest the charges. Higby stated on social media that no laws were violated by their actions. O'Keefe has a prior legal record, having pleaded guilty in Louisiana in 2010 to a misdemeanor charge for entering federal property under false pretenses.