Shake-Up in the Election Assistance Commission
President Donald Trump has removed the remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), causing uncertainty for the bipartisan body just before the midterm elections. The president dismissed Benjamin Hovland and Thomas Hicks, the two Democrats on the commission, while Christy McCormick, a Republican, was allowed to resign. Sources informed ProPublica about these changes, as reported on their social media channels.
Concerns from Advocacy Groups
The dismantling of the commission concerned voter advocacy groups and Democratic election officials. They criticized the president’s actions as ‘reckless and irresponsible.’ Cisco Aguilar, Nevada’s secretary of state and chair of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State, emphasized the EAC’s pivotal role in supporting election administrators. Aguilar stated that without the EAC, Secretaries of State and election administrators would need to bridge the gaps themselves.
White House’s Stance
A White House official commented on the situation, suggesting the president is focused on securing elections and removing individuals not fully aligned with that goal. The administration has prioritized building a robust infrastructure to protect against fraud and abuse, especially during midterm elections.
The responses from Hicks and McCormick were unavailable. Hovland, once a commissioner, expressed pride in the agency’s work and hoped staff would maintain its positive momentum.
Hovland’s Contributions
While in Missouri, Hovland attended an early voting site to review new protections for election workers. He praised resources developed by the EAC to assist these workers, including social media templates and training materials for Election Day scenarios.
Background on the EAC
Established in 2003, the EAC sets standards for voting systems and allocates funds for upgrades. The commission’s board typically consists of four members, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, who are appointed by the president with congressional leadership recommendations. The fourth commissioner, Don Palmer, a Republican, resigned earlier this year.
Potential Changes Ahead
Trump aims to install new members more in tune with his vision. In March 2025, he issued an executive order directing the EAC to modify the national voter registration form to mandate proof of U.S. citizenship. Currently, voters attest to citizenship under penalty of perjury, without providing proof.
Public Response and the Future
The EAC has faced issues such as partisanship, vacancies, and funding shortages, yet has made progress by establishing new standards for voting machines and resources for officials. Despite its challenges, decisions often reached unanimity, highlighting its potential for bipartisan collaboration.
The Bipartisan Policy Center indicated that the resignations mark a ‘significant loss’ for one of the few federal bodies designed around bipartisan governance.