Trump Dismisses Election Commission Members
President Donald Trump has removed the last three members of the Election Assistance Commission, causing uncertainty in the bipartisan agency as he aims to alter election processes before the midterm elections. Trump terminated Benjamin Hovland and Thomas Hicks, both Democrats, according to sources cited by ProPublica. Christy McCormick, a Republican, was permitted to resign.
The commission’s dismantling raised concerns among voter advocacy groups and Democratic state election officials, who labeled the 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 role in supporting election officials. He noted that Secretaries of State and other administrators would need to step in.
White House Comments and Reactions
A White House representative refrained from confirming Trump’s actions but stated that the president retains the right to remove individuals not fully aligned with securing elections and counting legal votes. The official underscored the administration’s efforts to protect elections from fraud and abuse, investing in robust infrastructure for the midterm elections.
Former commissioner Hovland expressed his pride in the agency’s work, highlighting resources created for election workers, such as social media templates and training materials. He received notice of his dismissal while visiting a local election office.
Commission’s Role and History
The commission was formed in 2003 to set standards for state voting systems and provide funding for upgrades. Its four-member board is meant to be evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, based on nominations by the president and confirmation by the Senate. Don Palmer, another Republican commissioner, resigned in April, leading to the recent changes.
Trump’s actions allow for potential replacements more aligned with his directives. Notably, he issued an executive order requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration, rather than self-attestation. The commission sought public comments on a proposed form change but had not voted.
Concerns of Bipartisanship and Governance
The Bipartisan Policy Center described the departures as a “significant loss” for one of the few federal institutions focused on bipartisan governance. The commission has faced challenges with partisan infighting, vacancies, and funding issues, yet achieved progress with new voting machine standards and recommendations. Unanimous decisions were often achieved despite the partisan split.
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