As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the Federal Election Commission remains paralyzed without a quorum, unable to investigate complaints, issue fines, or provide legal guidance. Representatives Mike Lawler and Josh Gottheimer recently urged federal agencies to coordinate on AI-driven election threats, noting that many voters rely on artificial intelligence for candidate information. However, FEC Commissioner Shana Broussard responded that the agency could not act due to a lack of the four commissioners required by federal law. The agency has been unable to fulfill core enforcement duties since May 2025, leaving its backlog of enforcement cases to double from 154 to 307 within a year. Lawmakers from both parties have faced similar roadblocks when seeking guidance on campaign fund usage, political advertising, and foreign funding allegations. This regulatory vacuum coincides with record-shattering political ad spending projected to reach $11.6 billion. Without an active commission to oversee campaign finance laws, candidates and political action committees are operating with little oversight as campaigns enter their final stretch.
Source: cbsnews.com
