Election Assistance Commission Faces Operational Challenges

Why it matters locally: Operational challenges at the Election Assistance Commission could affect federal support for election preparations managed by local and state jurisdictions in Arkansas, potentially impacting voter registration processes and voting machine maintenance across the state.

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Washington—Efforts to prepare for elections often require months or years. State and local jurisdictions manage these preparations, from voter registration to voting machine maintenance, with federal government support. Thomas Hicks, who previously served on the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), characterized the agency as effectively unable to function in its current capacity. The EAC provides assistance for these election preparations. Geoff Bennett spoke with Hicks regarding the agency's current status.