News release
For immediate release 10/28/2026
Contact: Daniel Borgertpoepping, Communications Director
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office charged two individuals Wednesday for their conduct during the Minnesota primary election on August 11.
James Edward O’Keefe, 42, and Cam Higby, 26, both face felony charges of unlawful voting and identity theft.
Mr. O’Keefe and Mr. Higby filmed themselves and posted the videos to social media to try to sow doubt about Minnesota’s secure voting systems.
In the videos, both Mr. O’Keefe and Mr. Higby visited multiple precincts in Hennepin County and misrepresented their identities by giving election judges names of registered voters in the precinct without those voters’ knowledge or permission.
“Elections are the bedrock of democracy and their protection is one of our highest priorities. Individuals engaging in unlawful conduct related to our elections will be held accountable,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “Our office has had regular meetings with Hennepin County Elections staff in preparation for both the primary and the general elections this year and we are fully prepared.”
“Polling places are the heart of our democracy and should be places of safety and peace,” said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. “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.”
Minnesota law clearly states that no individual shall intentionally misrepresent the individual’s identity in applying for a ballot, depositing a ballot in a ballot box or attempting to vote by means of a voting machine or electronic voting system.
While Mr. Higby and Mr. O’Keefe did not sign the oath, both men intentionally misrepresented their identities in applying for ballots.
Case Numbers
James O’Keefe: 27-CR-26-28438
Cam Higby: 27-CR-26-28437
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