There has never been a bigger occasion for international election observers than the upcoming 2020 US Presidential election. Observers from around the world will be in attendance to keep an eye on the process and to ensure that the result is an accurate reflection of the US public’s wishes. With such a high stakes event, foreign election observers will naturally be concerned about myriad issues that could affect the result or the integrity of the process.
In this article we will explore the main worries of foreign election observers in the US election and outline the procedures they will need to follow to ensure that everything proceeds smoothly.
What Is an Election Observer?
An election observer is a person or group tasked with monitoring the electoral process and its results in order to ensure that it is free and fair. Election observers are invited by the country holding the election. Observers typically make detailed reports back to the government to outline any irregularities or potential issues that could affect the overall result.
What Worries Foreign Election Observers for the Upcoming U.S. Election?
Foreign election observers are worried about a number of issues in the upcoming US election. These include:
• Voter Suppression: Domestic voter suppression tactics such as voter ID laws, restrictions on early or election day voting and the outright removal of voters from the rolls could all have an impact on the election outcome. International observers will be looking out for any indication that these tactics have been employed.
• Voter Intimidation: It is suspected that some elements of the US population may try to use intimidation tactics in order to influence the result of the election. This could include anything from aggressively campaigning for one candidate to actual physical confrontations. Foreign observers will be on the lookout for any such activities.
• Unreliable Voting Systems: The integrity of the US voting system is of paramount concern to foreign observers. Systems that are not secure, that have malfunctioned in the past or that have been hacked could all present an issue.
• Voter Accessibility: It is important to ensure that all registered voters are able to get to the polling station and cast their vote. Any disruption or difficulties in this regard could be cause for grave concern.
• Radio/Television Coverage: It is also important to ensure that all media outlets, including radio and television, are providing fair coverage of the different candidates. Any perceived bias or misinformation could have an effect on the result of the election.
• Interference by Foreign Powers: Observers will be on the lookout for any interference by foreign powers, whether through direct intervention or via attempted cyber interference. This could include the spread of false information, the manipulation of campaigns or the use of propaganda.
• Campaign Funding: The activities of different political groups and candidates can become blurred when it comes to campaign funding. Observers will be monitoring the flow of money to ensure that all candidates are playing by the same set of rules.
• Gerrymandering: Gerrymandering, or the redrawing of electoral boundaries for political advantage, is illegal in many countries and is an area that all foreign election observers will be on the lookout for.
The Procedures for Election Observers
When it comes to carrying out their duties, foreign election observers will typically adopt the following procedure:
• Pre-Election Missions: Observers will begin their mission prior to the election by studying the country’s electoral legislation and researching the various candidates who are taking part.
• On-Site Observation: On the day of the election itself, observers will attend polling stations across the country in order to witness the voting process. They will conduct interviews with different people who are involved in the electoral process in order to gain a better understanding of any irregularities.
• Post-Election Reports: Following the election, observers will typically compile a detailed report which will outline their findings and the conclusions that they have drawn. This report will be submitted to the government who has invited them.
Receiving international election observers is something that all countries should welcome as it helps to ensure that the process is free and fair. Foreign observers will be looking out for a range of potential irregularities in the upcoming US election and it is important that their reports and recommendations are taken seriously. This will go a long way towards ensuring that the result of the election is an accurate reflection of the public’s wishes.
