President Donald Trump has taken a dramatic step by removing the remaining members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), a move that has sparked immediate political debate just months before the 2026 midterm elections. The decision effectively leaves the bipartisan federal election agency without commissioners, raising questions about how some of its key responsibilities will be handled during one of the busiest election cycles in the country.
The White House says the action is consistent with the administration’s election security priorities and recent Supreme Court precedent regarding presidential authority over independent federal agencies. Critics, however, argue that the timing could affect the independence of election administration and federal support provided to state and local officials.
Table of Contents
Key Points Summary
╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ – President Donald Trump removed the remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission. ║
║ – The bipartisan agency is now without commissioners ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. ║
║ – Two Democratic commissioners were dismissed while one Republican commissioner resigned. ║
║ – The White House cited presidential authority and election security priorities. ║
║ – Critics say the move raises concerns about federal election oversight and agency independence. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝What Is the Election Assistance Commission?
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is an independent federal agency established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 following the disputed 2000 presidential election.
Although elections in the United States are primarily administered by states and local governments, the EAC provides nationwide support by:
- Certifying voting systems used across the country
- Distributing federal election grants
- Publishing election administration guidance
- Maintaining the national mail voter registration form
- Conducting election research
- Supporting state and local election officials with best practices
Unlike agencies that directly run elections, the EAC serves mainly as a technical and administrative resource.
Trump Removes the Remaining Commissioners
On July 9, President Trump removed the commission’s remaining leadership.
According to multiple reports:
- Thomas Hicks was dismissed.
- Benjamin Hovland was dismissed.
- Christy McCormick, the remaining Republican commissioner, resigned.
- Commissioner Donald Palmer had already departed the agency earlier this year.
As a result, every commissioner seat is now vacant.
The dismissals reportedly occurred after a recent Supreme Court decision expanded presidential authority to remove officials serving on independent federal agencies.
Why the Timing Is Significant
The action comes only months before Americans head to the polls for the 2026 midterm elections.
Election officials across the country are already preparing for:
- Ballot certification
- Voting machine testing
- Poll worker training
- Cybersecurity coordination
- Federal grant administration
Normally, the EAC assists with many of these nationwide responsibilities.
With no commissioners currently serving, questions have emerged regarding how quickly the agency can make official decisions that legally require commissioner approval.
White House Explains the Decision
Administration officials defended the action by saying the President has authority to remove commissioners following recent Supreme Court precedent.
Officials also stated that the administration intends to prioritize election security and ensure federal agencies align with those objectives.
The White House has not yet announced when replacement commissioners may be nominated.
Under federal law, commissioners require Senate confirmation before officially joining the agency.
Recent Supreme Court Ruling Changed Presidential Authority
A major factor behind the dismissals is a recent Supreme Court ruling that significantly expanded presidential authority over certain independent federal agencies.
For decades, some commissioners serving on bipartisan agencies enjoyed protections limiting removal without cause.
The new ruling concluded that the President possesses broader executive authority to remove officials serving in agencies exercising executive functions.
That legal development has already affected several federal commissions and now appears to have been applied to the Election Assistance Commission.
Who Were the Commissioners?
Thomas Hicks
Thomas Hicks served on the commission for more than a decade and most recently served as chairman.
He worked extensively on election administration standards and election technology issues.
Benjamin Hovland
Benjamin Hovland joined the commission after Senate confirmation during President Trump’s first administration.
He became involved in election modernization efforts, cybersecurity initiatives, and cooperation with state election officials.
Christy McCormick
Christy McCormick served as the Republican commissioner remaining on the panel before her resignation.
She participated in voting system certification and election policy discussions during her tenure.
What Happens Without Commissioners?
Federal law requires commissioners to vote on numerous agency actions.
Without commissioners, the commission could face limitations in areas such as:
- Voting system certifications
- Adoption of official guidance
- Approval of certain federal grants
- Policy decisions
- Administrative rulemaking
However, agency employees continue working, and many operational functions may continue while awaiting new appointments.
Does This Affect State Elections?
State governments remain responsible for conducting elections.
Secretaries of state, county election offices, and local election administrators continue to oversee:
- Voter registration
- Ballot printing
- Polling locations
- Vote counting
- Certification of election results
The EAC does not directly conduct elections.
Instead, it provides technical assistance, guidance, funding administration, and certification programs.
Because of this structure, election operations at the state level continue even if the commission temporarily lacks members.
Concerns Raised by Critics
Several lawmakers and election officials criticized the dismissals.
Among the concerns raised:
Loss of bipartisan oversight
The EAC was intentionally designed as a bipartisan commission.
Critics argue that removing every commissioner undermines that structure.
Timing before the midterms
Opponents say the agency should remain fully operational during a national election year.
Voting system certification
Election equipment manufacturers periodically seek certification from the commission.
Questions remain about how pending certifications will proceed without commissioners.
Federal guidance
Election administrators frequently rely on EAC guidance covering accessibility, cybersecurity, election administration, and best practices.
Some observers worry future updates could be delayed.
Supporters View the Decision Differently
Supporters of the President argue the action reflects constitutional executive authority rather than election administration itself.
They note:
- States conduct elections independently.
- The President has authority to appoint new commissioners.
- The recent Supreme Court ruling clarified removal authority.
- Election security remains a stated administration priority.
Supporters also emphasize that federal agencies ultimately operate under executive branch leadership.
How New Commissioners Are Selected
Replacing commissioners involves several steps.
Typically:
- The President nominates candidates.
- Congressional leadership recommendations are considered.
- The Senate reviews nominees.
- The Senate votes on confirmation.
- Commissioners take office after confirmation.
The commission is designed to include no more than two commissioners from the same political party.
That bipartisan requirement remains part of federal law.
What the Election Assistance Commission Actually Does
Many Americans are unfamiliar with the EAC because it operates mostly behind the scenes.
Its work includes:
Voting Machine Certification
Manufacturers submit voting systems for federal testing.
The commission oversees certification standards.
Election Research
The agency collects nationwide election administration data used by researchers and policymakers.
Federal Grants
Congress periodically appropriates election funding.
The commission distributes those grants to states.
Accessibility
The agency develops resources designed to improve voting accessibility for Americans with disabilities and military voters.
Cybersecurity Coordination
Although cybersecurity responsibilities are shared among several federal agencies, the EAC works with election officials to encourage best practices.
Midterm Election Preparations Continue
Despite leadership changes, election preparations continue nationwide.
State election offices have already begun work involving:
- Updating voter rolls
- Preparing absentee ballots
- Recruiting poll workers
- Testing election equipment
- Reviewing cybersecurity measures
- Coordinating with local jurisdictions
Election officials across the country say these preparations are continuing according to established schedules.
Could There Be Legal Challenges?
Some legal experts believe lawsuits could emerge over the dismissals.
Potential issues include:
- Interpretation of federal statutes governing the commission
- Scope of presidential removal authority
- Administrative continuity
- Future appointment procedures
Whether litigation ultimately occurs remains uncertain.
Broader Political Context
The decision comes amid broader national debates over election administration, voting procedures, voter registration, and federal versus state authority.
Election policy has remained one of the most closely watched issues in Washington since the 2020 presidential election.
The latest action is expected to become part of ongoing discussions in Congress and during the 2026 midterm campaign.
What Comes Next?
Several important developments will likely determine the commission’s future:
- Whether the White House quickly nominates new commissioners
- Senate confirmation proceedings
- Potential legal challenges
- Continued election preparations by states
- Future guidance regarding voting system certification
Until new commissioners are confirmed, attention will remain focused on how the agency carries out its remaining responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
The decision to remove the remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission represents one of the most significant federal election administration developments of the 2026 election cycle. While the White House maintains the action is supported by recent legal precedent and executive authority, critics argue it creates uncertainty for an agency designed to provide bipartisan support to election officials nationwide. With the midterm elections approaching, the next steps in appointing new commissioners and maintaining the agency’s operations will remain closely watched by policymakers, election administrators, and voters alike.
What are your thoughts on these changes to the Election Assistance Commission? Share your perspective in the comments and stay tuned for the latest election and political updates.
