Trump Reshapes Election Assistance Commission

President Donald Trump has removed the three remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) as part of efforts to overhaul election management before the upcoming midterms. According to sources reported by ProPublica, Democrats Benjamin Hovland and Thomas Hicks were fired, while Republican Christy McCormick resigned. This move has left the bipartisan agency in disarray.

Concern is mounting among voter advocacy groups and Democratic state election officials. They have described the action as “reckless and irresponsible.” Cisco Aguilar, Nevada’s secretary of state, emphasized the critical role of the EAC in supporting state and local officials and indicated that Secretaries of State and election administrators must now fill the gap.

A White House statement to ProPublica implied the president’s right to remove individuals who do not align with securing elections. The statement highlighted ongoing efforts across agencies to protect elections, particularly during the midterms.

While Hicks and McCormick have not commented, Hovland reflected on his service since 2019, noting his pride in the accomplishments and resources developed by the EAC. During his tenure, the commission created tools such as social media templates and training aids for election workers.

The EAC, founded in 2003, aims to set standards for state voting systems and provide funding for enhancements. The commission’s structure ensures a balance between Republicans and Democrats, with appointments by the president based on congressional recommendations.

Initially made up of four commissioners, including Don Palmer who resigned earlier, the EAC is now devoid of its members. This vacancy allows Trump to propose replacements potentially more aligned with his directives. In March 2025, Trump issued an executive order demanding changes to the voter registration form to require proof of U.S. citizenship, a measure currently under consideration after a petition by America First Legal.

The Bipartisan Policy Center, advocating on election issues, lamented the significant loss of bipartisan governance within the EAC, which has struggled with partisanship, vacancies, and funding issues. Despite challenges, the commission had advanced standards for voting machines and provided essential resources for election officials, frequently achieving unanimous decisions.