Statement: The Voter Participation Center on U.S. Election Assistance Commission Terminations

In response to news last night of the terminations of two Democratic U.S. Election Assistance commissioners by President Donald Trump and the resignation of a third Republican commissioner, Tom Lopach, President and CEO of the Voter Participation Center, released the following statement:

“President Trump’s dismantling of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission (EAC) should serve as a warning that this administration is attempting to upend America’s democratic electoral process.

“The EAC has been rendered vulnerable following the firings last night of two Democratic commissioners and the resignation of a third Republican commissioner. Make no mistake: removing the leadership of a commission charged with strengthening state election administration will not make our elections more secure. By erasing the EAC’s leadership while primary elections continue to unfold, the Trump administration is making another attempt to exert control over our elections. 

“Such a situation could disenfranchise millions of eligible Americans, including the historically underrepresented groups we serve — people of color, young people, and unmarried women. Sowing confusion in the middle of an election year creates chaos and muddles voters’ understanding of the electoral process. 

“The government’s ongoing intimidation campaign is a reminder that the right to vote matters. Now more than ever, it is crucial that eligible Americans get registered, exercise their right to vote, and help their neighbors do the same. 

“We cannot allow the scare tactics of this administration to infringe on our rights as citizens. The Voter Participation Center (VPC) will continue to work so that every eligible American is able to participate in our nation’s democratic process this November and beyond. It is the responsibility of every voter across the country to stand up for free and fair elections.”

The Voter Participation Center is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement and closing voter registration and turnout gaps. Since 2003, VPC has helped register millions of voters—particularly among historically underrepresented communities—and continues to run the nation’s largest mail-based and digital voter engagement programs.