U.S. refuses foreign observers at its November midterm elections

Background

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has observed U.S. elections since 2002. The Trump administration declined to host its observers this year, a first in 20 years.

American elections will be administered, monitored and observed by American citizens.

— Lauren Bis, White House spokesperson

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen urged the government to reverse course, and the OSCE's democracy office said it regrets the decision. Russia and Belarus also refuse OSCE observers at their elections.

And us?

Canada welcomed OSCE observers during its early federal election in April 2025.