Discussion on Recommendations from the ODIHR Observation of the 2018 Mid-Term Congressional Elections in the United States

Following an invitation from the US authorities, a team of ODIHR experts will travel to Washington DC to present its final report of the observation of the 2018 Mid-Term Congressional Elections in the United States. The visit is an opportunity to discuss ODIHR’s electoral recommendations, as well as possible areas of future co-operation and assistance. During the three-day visit, ODIHR experts will discuss findings and recommendations from the report concerning issues such as voter rights, cyber security, the use of technology, and campaign finance. Meetings and a series of panel discussions will be held with high-level representatives of federal and state authorities, civil society, and others involved in the US elections. 

The importance of post-electoral follow-up has been recognized by all OSCE participating States, including the United States, which committed in the 1999 Charter for European Security “to follow up promptly ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations”. Since 2002, ODIHR has observed eight elections in the United States and has consistently been invited to return to the country to discuss the observation findings and recommendations.