Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read Calls for Resignation or Removal of U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner Christy McCormick

At a recent round table on election integrity sponsored by the America First Policy Institute, Commissioner Christy McCormick of the United States Elections Assistance Commission (EAC) promoted extreme, unfounded claims about attempts to undermine American elections. The comments were first reported by Democracy Docket: Dems 'Need the Votes' of 'Illegal Citizens,' Top Federal Election Official Claims in Unhinged Rant.

Commissioner McCormick is one of the four EAC commissioners who are appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. They are expected to be independent and impartial.

"It's un-American to spread lies that sow fear and paranoia in the heart of our democracy. Our founders built this nation on free and fair elections. Generations of Americans fought and died to defend them. Commissioner McCormick's false claims dishonor that sacrifice. She betrayed the trust of the people she was meant to serve. She must resign or be removed immediately. America's light is dimming because rot like this is spreading -- and it's up to us to stop it," said Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read.

The EAC has a foundational role in American elections. It accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems. It audits the use of Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) funds. The EAC is also tasked with developing guidance for elections officials on nearly every aspect of elections administration, including meeting HAVA requirements and adopting voluntary voting system guidelines. It also serves as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration.

Secretary Read is a member of the 110-member Standards Board for the EAC. The Standards Board is directed by federal law to assist the EAC in carrying out its mandates under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).