International Observers Report on US Midterms

As previously reported here, the OSCE conducted election observations of the most recent midterm elections on November 6.  On November 7, the observation team issued a preliminary report, available here. 

Among other things, the OSCE noted that the disenfranchisement of convicted felons in some states violates US international commitments.

Further, the report noted that some states refused to cooperate with election observers.  According to the report:

“Election observation is regulated by states. Restrictions on election day observation by international observers were in place in 12 states. While federal government departments and agencies supported and facilitated the work of the [monitoring team], political and electoral authorities in several states declined to meet with . . . observers, and in one state prevented observation altogether. Such restrictions on international election observers are not in line with OSCE commitments undertaken by the US
Government.”

The OSCE observation team also noted that the election was “marked by frequently divisive and intolerant rhetoric, including several incidents with xenophobic and anti-Semitic connotations.”

In general, while the OSCE team concluded that the elections were generally carried out in an orderly and professional way, there were a number of significant deficiencies.    

For more information, and to view the OSCE press conference on November 7, click here.