Election Assistance Commission Faces Operational Challenges

Why it matters locally: Operational challenges within the federal Election Assistance Commission could indirectly affect Maine's state and local election preparations, potentially impacting grant funding or timely access to federal guidance for voter registration and voting machine maintenance statewide.

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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.