Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has charged conservative activists James O'Keefe and Cam Higby with unlawful voting and identity theft for a political stunt performed in August. The two influencers are accused of violating voting laws by intentionally misrepresenting their identities when attempting to obtain ballots during Minnesota's primary election.
O'Keefe and Higby filmed themselves entering polling stations while dressed in Muslim clothing. Their stated intention was to expose what they described as the "sheer lunacy" of Minnesota's voting system, specifically highlighting the state's "vouching" process. This process allows a registered voter to vouch for up to eight other individuals, enabling them to vote without presenting identification.
The footage of the stunt was widely shared on social media, garnering millions of views. However, at a press conference announcing the charges, Moriarty stated that the men ultimately did not cast votes and "stopped short of signing the oath" required before receiving a ballot. Despite this, she asserted that their actions still constituted a violation of state voting laws.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon also condemned the activists' scheme, calling it "outrageous" and declaring zero tolerance for "lying, lawbreaking, and disruptions at our polling places."