Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON DC — President Donald Trump removed the two remaining Democratic members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission on July 9, leaving the bipartisan federal agency without any sitting commissioners, according to NBC and other news organizations.
Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland, the commission’s Democratic members, were dismissed. Republican Commissioner Christy McCormick resigned as part of the leadership change, according to the White House. (Reuters)
A widely circulated statement said Trump had “fired EVERY Democrat member” of the commission. Both Democratic commissioners were removed, but the statement did not mention McCormick’s resignation or that the commission was left with no commissioners.
The Election Assistance Commission does not administer elections. State and local authorities conduct elections in the United States.
The federal commission certifies voting systems, distributes election-related grants, develops election administration guidance, and maintains the national mail voter registration form. (U.S. Election Assistance Commission)
The White House said the administration would nominate new commissioners. Election Assistance Commission nominees must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before taking office. Federal law provides for four commissioners, with no more than two belonging to the same political party. (U.S. Election Assistance Commission)
