US conservative activists charged with unlawful voting in election stunt

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, James O'Keefe, founder of Project Veritas, was charged with unlawful voting and identity theft alongside fellow conservative activist Cam Higby

Two conservative activists who filmed a stunt undercover at a Minnesota polling site have been charged with unlawful voting and identity theft, prosecutors said.

James Edward O'Keefe and Cam Higby are accused of trying to sow doubt in the state's voting systems after sharing a video that shows them in Islamic attire and using fake accents while interacting with poll workers.

Prosecutors allege the pair misrepresented their identities by giving election judges the names of registered voters in the precinct without those voters' knowledge or permission.

Higby told the BBC he sought to "expose vulnerabilities" in the voting system and alleged the state is now trying to take away his right to vote.