Election Advocates File Complaints Against Federal Election Panel After Reports
A pro-democracy organization has initiated formal complaints against the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). These complaints target potential partisanship and illegal actions linked to the agency responsible for overseeing U.S. elections. The allegations stem from controversial statements made by EAC Commissioner Christy McCormick.
Background on Complaints Against EAC
The Democracy Defenders Fund filed two complaints following alarming reports from Democracy Docket. The complaints were directed to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and the EAC’s inspector general.
Contentious Remarks by Christy McCormick
In October, McCormick made inflammatory comments while participating in a discussion at the America First Policy Institute, an organization aligned with former President Donald Trump. Her statements suggested that Democratic opposition to stricter voting regulations was rooted in a need for more votes from illegal citizens.
- McCormick remarked, “They need the votes. They’re losing ground.”
- She further claimed, “Everybody is seeing how people are going toward the right.”
This rhetoric drew swift backlash from voting rights advocates and Democratic officials, who called for her resignation due to perceived violations of the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act restricts federal employees from using their official roles for partisan purposes.
Investigations Sought by Democracy Defenders Fund
The Democracy Defenders Fund, founded by Norm Eisen, is urging a thorough investigation into McCormick’s actions. The organization points to the potential implications of her remarks and the EAC’s actions regarding voting systems.
A second complaint addresses the EAC’s movement to decertify election equipment operating on outdated software. Susan Greenhalgh, a senior advisor on election security, expressed concerns about the EAC’s timeline.
Potential Impact of EAC Actions
The proposed decertification of aging election equipment could disrupt voting in multiple states. Areas impacted include:
- Georgia
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Texas
The Fund’s complaint questions the urgency of these changes. It challenges the EAC to clarify why this issue is prioritized now, the lack of requirements for timely updates from vendors, and the reversal of prior positions against decertification.
The EAC has yet to respond to requests for comments on these complaints. The situation carries considerable implications for the integrity and security of elections in the United States, as well as public confidence in the electoral process.
