Trump administration tightens voting rules through executive action
Trump administration mandates citizenship proof for voter registration via executive order.
Event / Politics
US Election Assistance Commission Removals
President Trump removes all remaining commissioners from the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission, affecting federal election administration months before the 2026 midterm elections. The action follows the Supreme Court's Slaughter decision expanding presidential removal authority.
1 reported locations
Daily activity
0 articles0 articles
2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 10 Jul, 06:22 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
What happened
Trump fires remaining members of Election Assistance Commission
President Donald Trump fired the remaining commissioners of the Election Assistance Commission, leaving the bipartisan agency without any commissioners. Democratic commissioners Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland were terminated, while Republican Christy McCormick resigned. The fourth commissioner, Republican Donald Palmer, had resigned in April 2025. Without commissioners, the agency cannot take formal action on matters including certifying voting systems and updating election guidance for states.
Election Assistance Commission unable to function without quorum
The Election Assistance Commission is now unable to carry out its official duties. The agency cannot take formal action on certifying voting systems, updating election guidance for states, accrediting voting equipment laboratories, administering federal election grants, or maintaining the national mail voter registration form. The commission requires a quorum to conduct official business.
Democratic leaders condemn Election Assistance Commission dismantling
Democratic leaders swiftly condemned the removal of Election Assistance Commission members. Senator Mark Warner stated the dismissals should concern every American and raise profound concerns about political interference. Election advocacy groups and Democratic state officials called the move reckless and irresponsible, warning it undermines a key federal institution designed around bipartisan governance.
Trump administration directs stricter voting requirements ahead of midterm elections
The Trump administration has intensified efforts to reshape federal election policy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The Justice Department warned election officials they could face criminal penalties if they fail to prevent noncitizens from registering or voting. The Federal Emergency Management Agency threatened to withhold federal funding from states not complying with new election directives.
Election Assistance Commission established to set voting standards and fund upgrades
The Election Assistance Commission was created in 2003 following the disputed 2000 presidential election through the Help America Vote Act of 2002. The commission serves as the federal government's primary agency for election administration, with responsibilities including accrediting voting equipment laboratories, certifying voting systems, administering federal election grants, and maintaining the national mail voter registration form. The commission is structured as a four-member bipartisan board with commissioners nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
Trump administration justifies removals under Supreme Court Slaughter decision
White House officials cited the Supreme Court's Trump v. Slaughter ruling to justify the removal of Election Assistance Commission members. The Slaughter decision expanded the president's authority to remove officials serving on independent federal agencies. The White House stated the president reserves the right to remove individuals not aligned with securing elections and ensuring every legal vote is counted.
Trump executive order requires proof of citizenship for voter registration
In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing the Election Assistance Commission to change the national voter registration form to require proof of U.S. citizenship. Currently, voters in almost all states attest to their citizenship under penalty of perjury without providing documentary proof. The America First Legal law firm had petitioned the EAC to make this change, and the commission had posted a notice seeking public comments but had not voted.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Trump removes Election Assistance Commission members, citing executive authority
Trump administration removes EAC members, citing Supreme Court removal authority; commission now non-functional.