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President Donald Trump has reportedly removed the remaining members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, leaving the independent federal agency without any sitting commissioners.
According to Reuters, all three remaining commissioners departed the agency Thursday. Democratic commissioners Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland were notified by email that their positions had been terminated, while Republican Commissioner Christy McCormick was permitted to resign.
“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,” the email states, according to Reuters. “Thank you for your service.”
The Election Assistance Commission is an independent federal agency that provides guidance and support to state and local election officials on election administration.
With the departures, the four-member commission has no sitting commissioners and cannot take official action until new members are confirmed. The commission’s fourth seat became vacant earlier this year after a Republican commissioner stepped down voluntarily, according to USA Today.
State and local election officials have already voiced concerns about a reduction in federal support ahead of the midterm elections. They say several agencies that typically assist with election security have scaled back their involvement, and they worry that information about potential election-related threats may no longer be shared consistently.
According to a source familiar with the commission, USA Today reported that members also grew concerned after the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 29 ruling, which expanded President Donald Trump’s authority over the leaders of agencies established by Congress to operate independently.
Under federal law, commissioners are appointed by the president from candidates recommended by Republican and Democratic leaders in both the U.S. House and Senate. The commission is limited to no more than two members from the same political party, and all nominees must receive Senate confirmation before taking office.