Did you know that the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has had long-term observers from their organization coming to observe US elections for 22 years? In fact, these observers have been coming to Washington and Oregon every two years for these two decades. 

 The OSCE is a collaborative organization of 57 countries from Europe, North America, and Central Asia—including the United States. Their Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the wing of the organization that conducts election observations.  

In May of 2024, the ODIHR released a comprehensive “Needs Assessment Mission Report” for the US general election on November 5. The Mission Report provides a comprehensive background of the political factors at play in the election, as well as the legal and electoral framework in which the election occurs. Their report also includes an explanation of why they were observing US elections this year, what conclusions they reached, and the recommendations they have stemming from those conclusions. The ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report can be viewed here.  

In Thurston County, at a ballot party at the Olympia Public Library, two League members had the opportunity to interact and discuss elections with two of the ODIHR observers. Below is an account of their experience.

By Susan Fiksdal, LWV Thurston 

At a ballot party on October 23, Annie Cubberly and I (LWV Thurston County) met two international elections observers! We were able to discuss a number of fascinating topics—ranging from Washington’s elections to the League’s work in WA and across the US.  

The two observers had a lot of questions, including asking if we (in our capacity with the League) had received any threats or harassment about the elections. Thankfully, we were able to explain that we had not, though we had an instance where a bot had requested voter registration services and several instances where requests may have been “testing” our nonpartisan stance.  

One question I found quite odd was when they asked if we knew of any “ballot harvesting” taking place in Washington. I was surprised by the phrase. Annie and I explained that it is so easy to submit a ballot we doubted anyone would let someone they didn’t know and trust submit their ballot for them.  

Washington elections were not the only topic discussed though. The two observers were interested in the League’s “Be a Voter” campaign, and we gave them copies of our “They Represent You” (directory of elected officials) as well as some League swag, including stickers and bookmarks. 

Also in attendance at the ballot party was the local chair of the Republican Party. The League’s excellent reputation nationwide was discussed with him, and it was noted how serious candidates must accept invitations to candidate debates and forums. He did, however, express the premise that League questions are often viewed as partisan.  

The long-term observers Annie and I spoke with are just two of 64 observers from the OSCE who were in the US to observe ballot processing and talk to election officials, political parties, and civic groups. 

The library provided pizza to party goers and showed League candidate forums for voters.