Two men face felony charges for using registered voter’s identities during Minnesota Primary
Less than a week before the general election, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced charges Wednesday against two men accused of unlawful voting and identity theft during the Aug. 11 primary election.
Prosecutors allege that James Edward O’Keefe, 42, of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Cam Higby, 26, of Covington, Washington, visited several Minneapolis polling places and gave election judges other registered voters identities to misrepresent themselves while applying for ballots.
Neither men casted a vote, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Prosecutors say Minnesota law prohibits intentionally misrepresenting someone's identity when applying for a ballot even if the person doesn't complete the voting process.
According to the complaints, the Secretary of State’s Office told investigators that applying for ballots begins when the person approaches an election judge and answers questions about who they are and where they live.
The complaints say the two wore disguises, used hidden cameras and posted videos online questioning Minnesota's voting safeguards.
Higby allegedly stopped at Ward 1, Precinct 1, gave an election judge another person's identity, said he wanted to vote, and said he wanted to vouch for a woman with him. According to the complaints, he then asked questions about vouching, pretended to take a phone call and left without completing the process.
At Ward 1, Precinct 5, Higby allegedly started the vouching process for the woman with him using a second person's identity but stopped before taking the required oath.
Higby joined O’Keefe at polling places in Ward 2, Precinct 5 and Ward 3, Precinct 5. At those locations, O’Keefe allegedly used other identities and asked questions about vouching.
Neither man was registered or eligible to vote in Minnesota, according to the complaints
“Polling places are the heart of our democracy and should be places of safety and peace,” said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon in a statement. “Any attempt to disrupt or deceive our election workers will not be tolerated. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for holding these individuals to account.”
Each charge carries a maxim penalty of five years and a $10,000 fine or both.
Ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, Moriaty said her office has been meeting regularly with county elections staff and is fully prepared.
A first appearance court date for both men is scheduled for Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.
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