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Senators Demand EAC Commissioner Rescind False Claims or Resign
A group of Democratic senators has called on Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Commissioner Christy McCormick to either withdraw inflammatory statements regarding noncitizen voting or step down from her position immediately.
In a strongly worded letter, Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) criticized McCormick for comments made during a panel discussion at the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute on October 29.
During the event, McCormick claimed that Democrats “need open borders, they need illegal citizens to increase their votes […] And this is why they’re fighting so adamantly against us.” The senators characterized these remarks as dangerous conspiracy theories that undermine election integrity and public trust.
“This is deeply dangerous to voters, our election system, and more broadly to our democracy,” the senators wrote. “EAC Commissioners carry an extra level of responsibility when speaking about election administration, and if you stand by your public statements about widespread voter fraud without any evidence, we urge you to resign immediately.”
The Election Assistance Commission is designed to be a bipartisan agency whose mission is to help election officials improve administration and assist Americans with voting participation. The senators argued that McCormick’s statements directly contradict this mission and represent an inappropriate use of her position to spread misinformation.
Election security experts have consistently found that noncitizen voting in U.S. elections is extremely rare. Current federal law already makes it a crime for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, punishable by up to one year in prison. Eligible voters must attest to their citizenship under penalty of perjury during the registration process.
“It is completely unacceptable for an individual who was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve on a bipartisan commission with this mission to make inflammatory, false, and partisan claims of voter fraud conspiracy theories,” the senators continued in their letter.
The controversy emerges amid broader tensions over election administration. Senator Padilla, who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, has been particularly vocal in opposing what Democrats characterize as attempts by former President Trump to exert improper control over the EAC and other election mechanisms.
Earlier this year, Padilla led fourteen Democratic senators in opposing Trump’s executive order that critics argue would disenfranchise millions of Americans. Padilla and Representative Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) also warned about the implications of bringing independent regulatory agencies under direct White House control.
The senators’ letter addresses specific concerns about the politicization of election administration, noting that rhetoric about noncitizen voting is often “weaponized to further suppress eligible voters” despite lacking factual support.
The consequences of such claims extend beyond political rhetoric. Election officials across the country have reported increased threats and harassment since 2020, with many citing conspiracy theories about election fraud as a driving factor. A recent study found that threats against poll workers have escalated dramatically, causing some experienced election administrators to leave their positions.
The senators concluded their letter with a final ultimatum: “If you do not disavow these comments immediately, we urge you to resign your position to protect the integrity of the Commission and its important nonpartisan work.”
As of this reporting, Commissioner McCormick has not publicly responded to the senators’ letter.
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13 Comments
Unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud are deeply concerning, especially coming from an election official. The commissioner should either produce evidence or resign, in order to preserve public confidence in the electoral process.
I concur. Undermining faith in elections, even unintentionally, is a grave threat to democracy. The commissioner must either correct the record or step down to uphold the public trust.
It’s troubling to see an election official make such inflammatory statements without proof. Maintaining the integrity of our elections should be the top priority, not spreading conspiracy theories. The commissioner should either retract the claims or resign.
I understand the desire to protect election integrity, but making inflammatory statements without evidence is counterproductive. The commissioner should focus on facts, not conspiracy theories, to maintain public trust.
Agreed. Spreading misinformation, regardless of intent, can have serious consequences for democracy. The commissioner should either provide proof or retract the claims immediately.
Reliable information on election processes is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy. While I’m interested in the latest mining and commodity news, I’m equally concerned about threats to the integrity of our elections.
Well said. Elected officials must be held to high standards when it comes to public statements, especially on sensitive issues like voting. The senators are right to demand accountability.
The mining and energy sectors are vital to the economy, but concerns over misinformation around voting are also critical. It’s important that election officials remain impartial and focused on upholding the democratic process.
Absolutely. Spreading false claims about voter fraud, regardless of political affiliation, is a serious breach of public trust. The commissioner should either correct the record or step down.
While I’m interested in the latest mining and energy news, the integrity of our elections is paramount. Election officials must be held to the highest standards of impartiality and truthfulness.
These are serious allegations that need to be backed up with concrete evidence. As an election official, the commissioner should be focused on ensuring fair and secure elections, not spreading unsubstantiated claims that could undermine public trust.
I agree. Dismissing election integrity concerns without evidence is irresponsible and could do more harm than good. The commissioner should either provide proof or recant the statements.
The mining and energy sectors are important, but the sanctity of our elections should be the top priority for public officials. Unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud are deeply troubling and must be addressed.