Weeks before Election Day, the FEC can’t enforce the law

In July 2026, Representatives Mike Lawler and Josh Gottheimer requested the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to address concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots potentially spreading false information during the midterm elections. They urged the FEC, along with the Justice and Homeland Security departments, to tackle AI-driven threats to election integrity. A survey indicated that a significant portion of voters rely on AI for election information. However, FEC Commissioner Shana Broussard responded that the agency couldn’t act due to a lack of quorum, with only two of six commissioner seats filled. This incapacity has left the FEC unable to perform essential functions like opening investigations or issuing fines since May 2025, leading to a backlog of enforcement cases. Other lawmakers, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, also faced similar responses when seeking guidance from the FEC. The situation highlights the challenges the FEC faces in regulating campaign activities as elections approach. QUESTION: How might the inability of the FEC to function effectively impact public trust in the electoral process?