Undercover Video Exposes California Elections Fraud Scheme

O'Keefe Media Group investigation uncovers cash-for-ballots operation targeting homeless on Skid Row

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

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The O'Keefe Media Group has released undercover footage showing individuals offering cash, cigarettes, and marijuana to homeless people in exchange for signatures on election petitions and voter registration forms in Los Angeles. The investigation uncovered instances of petitioners instructing people to use fake addresses, with one Weingart Center employee telling an undercover journalist 'you can just put Pinocchio Lane.' The U.S. Attorney's Office and California officials have responded, stating that such activities are federal and state felonies that will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.

Why it matters

This investigation raises serious concerns about potential election fraud and the integrity of the electoral process in California. The alleged cash-for-ballots scheme, if true, would undermine public confidence in the fairness and legitimacy of elections. It highlights the need for robust safeguards and oversight to protect the democratic process.

The details

The O'Keefe Media Group's undercover journalists posed as homeless individuals on Skid Row in Los Angeles and documented 28 instances of petitioners offering cash, cigarettes, and marijuana in exchange for signatures on election petitions and voter registration forms. The petitioners were also instructed to use fake addresses, with one Weingart Center employee telling an undercover journalist 'you can just put Pinocchio Lane.' The U.S. Attorney's Office and California officials, including the Governor's office, have stated that such activities are federal and state felonies that will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.

  • The O'Keefe Media Group released the undercover footage on March 17, 2026.

The players

O'Keefe Media Group

A media organization led by James O'Keefe that conducts undercover investigations.

James O'Keefe

The founder and lead investigator of the O'Keefe Media Group.

Bill Essayli

The U.S. Attorney who responded to the O'Keefe Media Group's investigation, stating that the alleged activities are federal crimes that will be aggressively pursued.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles, who has confirmed awareness of the O'Keefe Media Group's undercover sting.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles District Attorney, who has confirmed awareness of the O'Keefe Media Group's undercover sting.

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What they’re saying

“Under 52 U.S.C. § 10307(c), it is a federal crime to provide false information on a voter registration form or to offer payment to complete a voter registration form.”

— Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney (Twitter)

“This alleged activity is a felony in California. Anyone caught engaging in this activity should be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Newsom spokesperson (James O'Keefe)

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's Office and California officials have confirmed they are investigating the allegations, and anyone found engaging in such activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The takeaway

This undercover investigation exposes a troubling potential scheme to undermine the integrity of elections in California through the exploitation of vulnerable populations. It highlights the critical need for robust election security measures and vigilant oversight to protect the democratic process.