Thread by @ericgeller

Senate Rules is convening now for a hearing with Trump's EAC nominees, Donald Palmer and Benjamin Hovland.

If the Senate confirms them, the EAC will have a quorum and will be able to take major policy steps like approving new voting system guidelines.

rules.senate.gov/hearings/nomin…

Chairman Blunt, opening the hearing says that he used to be skeptical about the need for the EAC, but "the events of the last couple of years indicate that the [EAC] in many ways is likely to be more important right now and in the future than it’s been up until now."

Palmer: “If confirmed, my goal as a commissioner would be to leave the United States electoral system stronger and more secure for the next generation of Americans … [and] to upgrade our voting process with new technologies to meet the expectations of voters.”

Klobuchar, introducing Hovland: “As we look back at the midterms, I think we know that we need a strong, fully functioning commission now more than ever.”

Hovland: "While the need to improve election cybersecurity continues, the 2018 election reminded us of the more traditional challenges of election administration," like equipment failures, ballot design issues, and long lines.

King asks Palmer, who testified at Trump's voter fraud commission, if voter fraud is a significant problem.

Palmer: “From a micro level, fraud does exist. The debate over whether or not it’s widespread or it happens in certain situations is really a false debate in my opinion.”

(That wasn't an answer to the question.)

Asked what they think of paper-based voting systems, both nominees say that they support paper trails.

Hearing is over. Blunt announces that the committee will vote on the nominees on December 4.