U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Market Research Report

Background

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is an independent, bipartisan federal agency established by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002. Its primary mission is to assist election officials in improving the administration of elections and to help Americans participate in the voting process. The EAC serves as a national clearinghouse for information on election administration, develops guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopts voluntary voting system guidelines, and accredits testing laboratories for voting systems. Additionally, the commission audits the use of HAVA funds and maintains the national mail voter registration form in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

Key Strategic Focus

The EAC's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

Election Administration Improvement: Providing guidance and resources to state and local election officials to enhance the efficiency and security of election processes.

Voter Participation Enhancement: Promoting accessible and accurate voting methods to encourage greater voter turnout and engagement.

Voting System Standards: Developing and maintaining voluntary voting system guidelines to ensure the reliability and security of voting equipment.

Election Security: Addressing emerging threats, including disinformation campaigns, by expanding the use of election security funds to counter AI-generated disinformation.

Financials and Funding

The EAC operates with a budget allocated by the federal government. In fiscal year 2023, the agency's budget was approximately $28 million. The commission administers grants to states and local jurisdictions to support election administration improvements, including those related to election security and voter education initiatives.

Pipeline Development

As a federal agency, the EAC does not have a product pipeline in the traditional corporate sense. Instead, its focus is on developing and implementing programs and resources to support election officials and voters. Notable initiatives include:

Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS): A comprehensive report analyzing state-by-state data on various aspects of federal election administration, including voter participation, registration, and technology use.

Help America Vote Day: An annual event aimed at encouraging citizens to become poll workers and engage in the electoral process. The EAC provides toolkits and resources to assist election officials in promoting this initiative.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The EAC leverages several technological platforms and innovations to fulfill its mission:

Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG): A set of specifications and requirements against which voting systems can be tested and certified, ensuring they meet federal standards for security and reliability.

Election Security Resources: The EAC provides tools and resources to help election officials address security challenges, including guidance on countering disinformation and ensuring the integrity of election data.

Leadership Team

The EAC is led by four commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. These commissioners serve staggered terms and are responsible for overseeing the agency's activities and strategic direction. The executive director, appointed by the commissioners, manages the day-to-day operations of the agency. As of January 2026, the EAC is operating without a permanent executive director following the departure of Steven Frid in January 2024.

Competitor Profile

As a federal agency, the EAC does not have direct competitors in the traditional business sense. However, it collaborates with various organizations and entities involved in election administration and reform:

KnowInk: A private company specializing in electronic pollbooks, providing digital solutions for voter check-in processes.

Mobilize: A technology platform that facilitates volunteer recruitment and event management for political campaigns and organizations.

Pro V&V: A voting system test laboratory accredited by the EAC to certify voting systems, ensuring they meet federal standards.

Campaign Legal Center: A nonprofit organization focused on election law and policy, advocating for reforms to improve the electoral process.

RepresentUs: A nonprofit organization dedicated to ending political corruption and promoting election reforms.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The EAC collaborates with various advisory bodies to enhance its effectiveness:

Board of Advisors: Composed of 35 members representing state and local officials, federal entities, science and technology experts, and voters. This board reviews draft VVSG and guidance, appoints search committees for executive director vacancies, and consults on research and program goals.

Standards Board: Consists of 110 members, including state and local election officials, responsible for reviewing VVSG and best practices recommendations.

Technical Guidelines Development Committee (TGDC): A 15-member committee tasked with assisting the EAC in drafting VVSG, comprising state and local officials, individuals with disabilities, and science and technology experts.

Local Leadership Council (LLC): Established by the EAC, this council includes two local election officials from each state, providing input into the agency's work by sharing experiences and best practices.

Operational Insights

The EAC's operational considerations include:

Election Security: Addressing emerging threats, such as AI-generated disinformation, by expanding the use of election security funds to support voter education and promote trusted information communications.

Leadership Stability: Ensuring continuity and stability in leadership positions, particularly the executive director role, to maintain effective operations and strategic direction.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The EAC's strategic roadmap includes:

Enhancing Election Security: Continuing to develop and implement resources to help election officials address security challenges, including guidance on countering disinformation and ensuring the integrity of election data.

Promoting Voter Participation: Expanding initiatives like Help America Vote Day to encourage greater citizen engagement in the electoral process.

Strengthening Collaborations: Building and maintaining partnerships with state and local election officials, as well as other organizations involved in election administration and reform, to share best practices and resources.