Two conservative activists, James Edward O'Keefe and Cam Higby, have been charged with unlawful voting and identity theft in Minnesota for their involvement in a video stunt filmed at a polling site. Prosecutors allege the pair misrepresented their identities to election judges, giving them the names of registered voters without their knowledge or permission in an effort to sow doubt about the state's voting systems.
According to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, neither O'Keefe nor Higby signed the required oath to confirm their address. Prosecutors stated that both men "intentionally" misrepresented their identities when applying for ballots, which are felony charges.
The incident, which occurred in August, aimed to highlight a Minnesota law that permits registered voters to vouch for the identity and address of up to eight individuals. This law is intended to assist recent state residents in voting, not for impersonating other registered voters.
Higby, a political commentator, told the BBC that he sought to "expose vulnerabilities" in the voting system. He claimed he never voted, signed an affidavit, or violated any law, stating that the charges against him were an attempt to silence him for exposing how Minnesota "abuses votes."
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, the state's chief election officer, issued a statement condemning the actions. "Any attempt to disrupt or deceive our election workers will not be tolerated," Simon said. "Polling places are the heart of our democracy and should be places of safety and peace."
O'Keefe, 42, is known as the founder of Project Veritas, an activist group that often produces secretly recorded encounters. Following his departure from Project Veritas, he established the O'Keefe Media Group. It was not immediately clear when O'Keefe and Higby are scheduled to appear in court.