EAC

About the EAC

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is an independent, bipartisan commission whose mission is to help election officials improve the administration of elections and help Americans participate in the voting process.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). The EAC is an independent, bipartisan commission charged with developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and serving as a national clearinghouseof information on election administration. The EAC also accredits testing laboratories and certifies voting systems, as well as auditsthe use of HAVA funds.

Other responsibilities include maintaining the national mail voter registration formdeveloped in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

HAVA established the Standards Boardand the Board of Advisorsto advise the EAC. The law also established the Technical Guidelines Development Committeeto assist the EAC in the development of voluntary voting system guidelines. In 2021, the EAC also established the Local Leadership Council composed of two election official leaders from each state.

The four EAC commissioners are appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The EAC is required to submit an annual report to Congress as well as testify periodically about HAVA progress and related issues. The commission also holds public meetings and hearings to inform the public about its progress and activities.