OSCE/ODIHR experts discuss electoral recommendations with officials and civil society in the United States

A team of election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) visited Washington D.C. from 10 to 12 July 2017 to present the final report of the ODIHR election observation mission for the 8 November 2016 United States general elections.

The report’s findings and recommendations were discussed with representatives of the State and Justice Departments, the Federal Election Commission, the Election Assistance Commission and other government agencies, as well as with political parties and civil society. The discussions focused on specific steps that can be taken by various stakeholders to follow up on ODIHR recommendations.

"While noting that the elections were highly competitive and demonstrated commitment to the fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly and association, our report also recommends steps to improve electoral legislation and practice,” said Ambassador Audrey Glover, who was the Head of the ODIHR election observation mission. “There is a high level of interest in electoral reform in the United States, and ODIHR is ready to support these efforts.”

The experts drew attention to the priority recommendation that residents of the District of Columbia and United States overseas territories be given full representation rights in Congress, and that residents of overseas territories also have the right to vote in presidential elections. The report further recommends that widespread restrictions on those with criminal convictions be reviewed to ensure that all limitations are proportionate and that rights are restored when sentences are completed.

The team also discussed a range of other recommendations, including with respect to the establishment of independent redistricting commissions, the security and reliability of aging voting equipment, the formula to identify jurisdictions to be subject to Section Five of the Voting Rights Act, measures to reduce the number of unregistered voters, non-discriminatory standards for voter identification, campaign finance transparency, and access for international observers across all states.

The experts emphasized that any electoral reform should be based on broad, cross-party agreement and inclusive consultations, including with groups representing women, national minorities, Native Americans and persons with disabilities.

Members of the ODIHR delegation also participated in the Summer Conference of the National Association of Secretaries of State, held in Indianapolis, and presented the final report to the Secretaries of all 50 U.S. states.

All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly following up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.