In a significant move just months before the 2026 midterm elections, President Donald Trump has dismissed the remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), an independent federal agency established to support election administration nationwide. The EAC, which plays a crucial role in overseeing fair election practices, including managing the national mail voter registration form, now faces a constitutional and operational crisis due to the abrupt terminations.
The dismissals were executed in varying manners: one Republican appointee was permitted to resign, while two Democratic appointees were informed of their termination via email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office. This action follows a recent Supreme Court decision that expanded presidential authority over independent regulatory agencies, granting the president more power to remove members without cause.
The EAC's bipartisan structure, designed to ensure balanced representation, now stands entirely vacant. This unprecedented shakeup has raised concerns about potential political interference in the election process, especially as the midterm elections approach. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed alarm, emphasizing the importance of the EAC's role in maintaining election integrity.
Critics argue that the dismissals could hinder the EAC's operations, including grant distributions and voting system certifications, potentially leading to a constitutional and operational crisis. The move aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to influence the election process, including support for partisan redistricting and opposition to mail-in voting. The firings have prompted alarm from lawmakers, highlighting fears of political interference ahead of pivotal midterm votes.
As the nation approaches the midterm elections, the future of the EAC remains uncertain. The vacancies may delay the commission's ability to certify voting systems and distribute federal election grants, raising questions about the administration's commitment to fair and secure elections. The situation underscores the ongoing debate over the balance of power between the executive branch and independent agencies responsible for overseeing the nation's electoral processes.
The dismissals have sparked bipartisan concern, particularly due to the EAC’s critical role in overseeing fair election practices, including managing the national mail voter registration form. The commission, now entirely vacant, may face a constitutional and operational crisis, especially since commissioners must be evenly split by party and Senate-confirmed.
This development follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that granted the president expanded powers to remove independent agency officials without cause. Trump's decision has drawn criticism from Democrats on Capitol Hill, who argue the ousting undermines election integrity and further politicizes the process. The move comes amid the president's broader efforts to influence election administration and fuel claims of voter fraud.
While it's unclear whether Trump will appoint new commission members before the upcoming midterms, the removals could hinder EAC operations, including grant distributions and voting system certifications. The ousted commissioners may challenge their dismissal, potentially reigniting legal questions about presidential authority over independent agencies following recent Supreme Court rulings.
The EAC was established in 2002 to set standards for state voting systems and to provide funding for upgrades. Its four-member board is designed to be evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, all nominated by the president at the recommendation of congressional leadership and confirmed by the Senate. The fourth commissioner, Don Palmer, a Republican, resigned in April. By dismissing the commission’s remaining members, Trump can try to put forward replacements who may be more amenable to his demands.
The commission has been plagued by partisan infighting and ineffectiveness, as well as chronic vacancies and a lack of funding. It’s made some progress in recent years, however, passing new standards for voting machines and creating new resources and recommendations for election officials. Often, the commission’s decisions were unanimous despite its partisan split.
The terminations follow advocacy from Trump and top administration officials to change vote-by-mail requirements ahead of the midterm elections, and investigations into the 2020 presidential election outcome, which Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden. In his second term, Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that the 2020 election was rigged.
The White House confirmed the terminations after Reuters’ initial report. A White House official said in a statement that the president “reserves the right to remove individuals that may not be totally aligned with the important task of securing America’s elections and ensuring every legal vote is counted.” The official added that the Trump administration has been “working across all agencies and local partners to safeguard elections from fraud and abuse, and investing in a strong infrastructure to sustain that mission especially in the midterm elections.”
The EAC serves as a “national clearinghouse of information on election administration,” accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems, and maintains the national mail voter registration form developed by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, according to the commission’s website.
The terminations follow the recent Supreme Court decision that granted the president more power to fire members of independent agencies, and a push by Trump for more federal intervention in voting processes, traditionally the purview of the states, as midterm elections approach in November.
Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said in a Thursday social media post the terminations should “concern every American, regardless of party.”