Federal agency that assists state election officials loses its members
President Donald Trump terminated the remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission on Thursday, according to multiple outlets, disabling the independent federal agency that assists election administration officials nationwide just months before the November midterm elections.
The commission, created by the Help America Vote Act of 2002, functions as a national clearinghouse for election administration information and assists state election officials with tasks such as certifying voting systems and maintaining the federal mail voter registration form. With its members removed, the agency cannot conduct business.
The Guardian reported that the move has incited fears of midterm “chaos.” MSI previously reported on Democratic concerns that Trump would take steps affecting the 2026 midterm elections, including through executive actions and appointments.
It was not immediately clear how Trump intends to fill the vacancies, though the law permits the president to appoint replacements.