MINNEAPOLIS (KFGO/WCCO) – Two out-of-state, conservative online influencers, have been charged in Hennepin County for impersonating voters during the August 11 primary.
42-year-old James O’Keefe and 26-year-old Cam Higby are accused of disguising themselves in an attempt to highlight Minnesota’s vouching laws during primary voting.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says both men illegally used names of registered Minnesota voters to identify themselves.
“Some were deceased, but others were alive and did not have any idea how these people got their information and did certainly did not consent to them using their identity,” Moriarty explained while announcing charges on Wednesday.
Higby and O’Keefe filmed themselves inside the precincts trying to vouch for voters, later posting it to social media.
“I’m James O’Keefe, and this is vouching for seven other Muslims at a Minneapolis polling booth,” the now viral video announces as the two enter a voting location.
The video claimed to be showing vulnerabilities in Minnesota’s voting system, specifically the vouching process. They later posted a video of it on social media.
“Both men stopped short of signing the oath we all signed before receiving our ballot,” Moriarty adds.
Both men are charged with unlawful voting and identity theft. Minnesota Sec. of State Steve Simon has previously called the video outrageous, and totally unacceptable.
“So, there’s a difference between intent to vote and intent to apply for a ballot,” Moriarty added regarding the charges. “The application of voting, a ballot in and of itself, is a multi-step process. They did begin to apply for a ballot. You cannot begin to apply or apply for a ballot and misrepresent yourself.”
They both remain out of custody and are due in court on November 16.
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