The Trump administration has terminated the members of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), an independent federal agency that assists election administration officials across the country. The decision, confirmed by individuals familiar with the matter, removed the remaining three commissioners from their posts on Thursday.
One Republican appointee resigned, while the two Democratic appointees were notified of their termination via an email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office. "On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Commissioner of the Election Assistance Commission is terminated, effective immediately. Thank you for your service," the email stated. The White House did not immediately provide comment.
The EAC functions as a national clearinghouse for information on election administration, accredits testing laboratories, certifies voting systems, and maintains the national mail voter registration form. This action follows recent advocacy by President Trump and other administration officials concerning vote-by-mail requirements and ongoing scrutiny of the 2020 election results.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes criticized the move, stating in a press release, "It is irresponsible and dangerous that this Administration remains dead set on causing chaos for our election officials across this country. This move undermines the integrity of nonpartisan election administration."
The Help America Vote Act of 2002, which established the EAC, allows the president to appoint replacements for the commission. The specific plans for how the Trump administration intends to proceed with the commission remain unclear.