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The United States declined to invite international election observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor the November 3 congressional midterm elections, breaking with a tradition in place since 2002. The decision by the Trump administration drew debate in American public life.

The White House argued that US elections do not require outside validation to be considered credible. Deputy Press Secretary Lauren Bis said American elections "will be run by American citizens," who will also take part in and watch the process. A State Department spokesperson told broadcaster MS Now that OSCE resources would be better spent on critical votes elsewhere, since US elections are already sufficiently observed.

Democratic lawmakers pushed back, saying the move harms US democracy. Senator Jeanne Shaheen called it contrary to the "spirit of freedom, democracy and transparency" that defines American elections, while Representative Steve Cohen accused the administration of preparing to play "a joke" on voters on November 3. Experts noted that among the OSCE's 57 members, only Russia and Belarus have refused observer missions. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly said on September 23 that it had received no invitation and regretted the situation.

Key Takeaways

• The Trump administration ended a practice dating to 2002 of inviting OSCE monitors to US elections.
• Officials said American votes do not need international endorsement; Democrats called the decision harmful to democracy.
• Experts noted that only Russia and Belarus among the OSCE's 57 members have previously refused observer missions.