The rumor is Misleading
“Minnesota's vouching law lets anyone vote without ID or proof of who they are.”
The fact
Minnesota's vouching law lets a registered voter from the same precinct swear under oath that a new voter lives at the address they give, so people who just moved can register at the polls.
It does not let anyone vote under another person's name, one voter can vouch for up to eight people, and a false oath is a felony. Videos from the August primary claimed the law lets anyone vote with no ID, but poll workers explained the rules and reported the activity, and the activists cast no ballots. On Oct. 28 the Hennepin County Attorney charged James O'Keefe and Cam Higby with felony unlawful voting and identity theft for giving election judges real voters' names; both deny breaking the law. Registering on Election Day? Bring proof of where you live, or a registered voter from your precinct who can vouch for you.
How this story developed
- Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty charges James O'Keefe and Cam Higby with felony unlawful voting and identity theft. Secretary of State Steve Simon says poll workers did exactly what they should. First court date Nov. 16.
- During Minnesota's primary, activists film themselves at three Hennepin County polling places asking about vouching and giving real voters' names. Poll workers explain the law and report it. No ballots are cast.