WASHINGTON — During a Senate Rules and Administration Committee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) called for continued support for election officials on the frontlines of our democracy. Sen. Welch also raised concerns about recent layoffs across big tech trust and safety teams dedicated to combatting election disinformation, and urged the Senate to pass comprehensive voting rights protection legislation, including the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.  

“My home state of Vermont is experiencing the same challenges with disinformation as others across the country. Our Secretary of State has done everything within [their power] to combat the spread of false claims about elections. I am proud to report that an independent audit of the 2022 election found no major discrepancies despite record turnout,” said Sen. Welch during the hearing. “Unfortunately, that has not stopped everyone from making false claims intended to destabilize and discredit our state and federal elections. I am hopeful that the EAC can play a leading role in stemming the spread of election disinformation and ensuring that every state is ready to face this growing challenge in 2024.”  

The hearing focused on oversight of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), an independent, bipartisan commission that helps administer elections across the United States, and the challenges election administers face ahead of the upcoming 2024 election.

Watch the hearing here.

Recently, Senator Welch joined Senator Klobuchar, Chair of the Rules Committee, in introducing the Support our Election Workers Act and the Election Workers Protection Act, bills that will respond to growing threats of violence and intimidation that have driven many election workers from their post and created staffing shortages for roles that are essential for functioning of our democracy.  

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