Hoyer Statement on the Nomination of Kate Marshall to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on President Obama’s nomination of Kate Marshall to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission:

“As a principle sponsor of the 2002 Help America Vote Act, which established the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, I am pleased that the Administration has nominated Kate Marshall to fill the second Democratic seat on the EAC. The EAC was formed as part of a comprehensive set of reforms to address woefully outdated and underfunded voter registration and election systems that directly contributed to the 2000 presidential election debacle. Since its creation, it has fostered collaboration among advocates, election officials, citizens, and election machine entrepreneurs to promote best practices with respect to voter education, poll worker training, and the administration of voting and registration. However, it is critically important that the Commission be able to function as the four-member bipartisan body we intended.

“When the Senate confirmed the two Republicans and one Democrat who currently serve on the EAC in late 2014, there was an understanding and expectation that once a qualified individual was nominated to fill the second Democratic seat, the Senate would put politics aside and work expeditiously to confirm this nominee and bring the EAC up to full strength. As an attorney and public servant with a proven record of streamlining and improving election processes in Nevada,  Kate Marshall has the skills and experience to serve on the Commission. 

“With a presidential election occurring in just a few months, it is critical that the EAC operate at full capacity as quickly as possible to help ensure every eligible American’s vote is cast – and counted – in November. While I am deeply disappointed we have not considered legislation to restore critical voting rights protections struck down by the Supreme Court  2013, I urge the Senate to take up Kate Marshall’s nomination quickly and confirm her to the EAC with the broad bipartisan support she deserves.”