Mary Moriarty, the Hennepin County Attorney, disclosed that James O’Keefe, 42, and Cam Higby, 26, are charged with felony unlawful voting and identity theft. This follows their in-depth report that highlighted vulnerabilities in Minnesota’s electoral process.
This investigation involved the journalists visiting various polling locations in Minneapolis while dressed in traditional Muslim attire, during which they filmed interactions with poll workers. They posed questions about the state’s longstanding vouching process.
Since the 1970s, Minnesota law has permitted a registered voter to vouch for the residency of up to eight individuals in the same precinct. This system allows same-day registration without conventional proof of residence but still mandates that voters meet specific eligibility criteria. In their widely viewed videos, poll workers clarified these rules.
Higby and O’Keefe exited the polling places without signing the required oath or voting. Later, Higby stated during a livestream that he did not cast a ballot, emphasizing that he merely demonstrated how easily one could challenge the system. He pointed out that his personal information was not requested, only his name.
POLL: Should Ilhan Omar Be Deported If Found Guilty Of Immigration Fraud?
CAUGHT INSIDE MINNEAPOLIS POLLING BOOTHS: Minnesota Poll Workers Tell O’Keefe, Dressed in Muslim Garb, & @camhigby, in a Burka, That They Can Vouch for Eight Unregistered Voters Without ID, Allowing Them to Vote in Minnesota Primary Election
Election worker says, “You’re the… pic.twitter.com/bUPVxym08G
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) August 13, 2026
The group behind the report, known as the Justice League, staunchly denied any impersonation. They clarified that they never claimed to be any other voter while questioning election staff about the vouching process, asserting that their investigation aimed to highlight discrepancies in the law and its application.
O’Keefe described their findings as a demonstration of the “sheer lunacy” surrounding the rules, challenging the backlash they received after revealing that unregistered individuals could be vouched for by registered voters.
On Wednesday, Moriarty announced the charges, citing misrepresentation of identity in applying for ballots, which is barred by state statute. The case numbers are 27-CR-26-28438 for O’Keefe and 27-CR-26-28437 for Higby.
Moriarty underscored that political bias would not sway her office’s decision-making. She asserted that misidentifying oneself while seeking a ballot is a serious offense, regardless of intent. While the charges are considered low-level felonies, they might lead to probation if convicted.
Higby reacted on social media, labeling the charges as political “lawfare,” stating he simply highlighted how the Minnesota election system permits fraud. He further expressed concerns about the chilling effect this might have on independent journalists willing to investigate electoral integrity.
Ultimately, neither journalist completed a ballot as part of their investigative efforts.
