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Elections are more than a single day of voting, they are a public promise that every eligible voter can participate freely, that every ballot is protected, and that results reflect the will of the people. Election observation helps keep that promise. By providing an independent, professional lens on how elections are administered, observation builds confidence in electoral outcomes, reinforces transparency, and supports continuous improvement in election management.
Electoral assistance is the practical, technical, and strategic support that helps countries deliver elections that are credible, inclusive, transparent, and peaceful. It is not about influencing outcomes or favoring any political actor; it is about strengthening the rules, systems, and institutions that allow citizens to choose their leaders freely and fairly. Effective assistance supports Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and national stakeholders to navigate complex electoral environments, particularly in contexts marked by political polarization, democratic transition, or post-conflict recovery.
When credible observers witness electoral processes, before, during, and after Election Day, they help affirm that procedures are followed consistently and fairly. Their presence can deter misconduct, reduce misinformation, and provide the public with fact-based assessments grounded in what was actually observed.
Observers assess the integrity of key steps such as voter registration processes, ballot access, polling place operations, accessibility measures, chain-of-custody procedures, and tabulation safeguards. Transparent observation demonstrates that election systems are open to scrutiny and committed to high standards.
Observation is not about judging winners or questioning outcomes, it is about identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities. Professional observation reports often highlight practical recommendations that help election stakeholders refine procedures, strengthen resilience, and enhance voter experience.
Elections are complex operations that benefit from shared knowledge. Observation creates space for election officials, administrators, and stakeholders to learn from one another, particularly on issues such as security, technology, accessibility, logistics, public communication, and dispute resolution.
When credible observers witness electoral processes, before, during, and after Election Day, they help affirm that procedures are followed consistently and fairly. Their presence can deter misconduct, reduce misinformation, and provide the public with fact-based assessments grounded in what was actually observed.
Observers assess the integrity of key steps such as voter registration processes, ballot access, polling place operations, accessibility measures, chain-of-custody procedures, and tabulation safeguards. Transparent observation demonstrates that election systems are open to scrutiny and committed to high standards.
Observation is not about judging winners or questioning outcomes, it is about identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities. Professional observation reports often highlight practical recommendations that help election stakeholders refine procedures, strengthen resilience, and enhance voter experience.
Elections are complex operations that benefit from shared knowledge. Observation creates space for election officials, administrators, and stakeholders to learn from one another, particularly on issues such as security, technology, accessibility, logistics, public communication, and dispute resolution.
The United States International Center for Electoral Support (USICES) is committed to advancing professional electoral learning through constructive engagement and international cooperation. As part of this mission, USICES invites election officials every two years to serve as international observers for U.S. elections, both the general elections and midterm elections. These observation opportunities aredesigned to foster hands-on learning, peer exchange, and mutual understanding between international election officials and U.S. election administrators.
International observers engage with election processes across jurisdictions to observe, learn, and share experiences on election administration, operational planning, voter services, transparency measures, and safeguards that support credible results. Through structured observation and dialogue with U.S. election officials, participants gain practical insights while contributing global perspectives that enrich shared democratic practice.
Election observation helps democracies grow stronger, not by fueling doubt, but by reinforcing transparency, improving practice, and building trust. USICES welcomes collaboration with election management bodies, institutions, and partners who share a commitment to professional, evidence-based electoral support.
Interested in participating or partnering with USICES on election observation?
We invite election officials and stakeholders to connect with us to learn more about upcoming observation opportunities and peer exchange engagements. Send an email to observation@usices.org
