By Sohaib Shams
Two conservative activists have been charged with unlawful voting and identity theft after staging an undercover stunt at a Minnesota polling site in August, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Charges and allegations
James Edward O'Keefe, 42, founder of Project Veritas, and Cam Higby, 26, a political commentator, are accused of misrepresenting their identities to election judges by providing the names of registered voters without their knowledge or permission. Neither man signed the required oath confirming their address, according to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office. Both face felony charges.
The recorded incident
In a video posted online, the pair appeared in Islamic attire using fake accents while interacting with poll workers. Higby captioned the footage claiming to expose vulnerabilities in a state law that allows registered voters to vouch for up to eight people. Prosecutors said the law is intended to assist recent movers, not to impersonate other voters.
Responses
Higby told the BBC the investigation aimed to expose flaws in Minnesota's voting system and denied ever voting, signing an affidavit, or breaking any law. He alleged the state is now seeking to revoke his voting rights permanently. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon stated that any attempt to disrupt or deceive election workers will not be tolerated, emphasizing polling places should be safe and peaceful.
Background
O'Keefe founded Project Veritas, a far-right group known for secretly recorded encounters, and later established O'Keefe Media Group after leaving the organization. Court dates for the two men have not yet been set.
