US declines OSCE election observers for midterms

The Trump administration declined to invite Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe observers for the November 3, 2026 midterms, ending observation of every U.S. federal election since 2002. The OSCE said on September 23 that no invitation had been received, calling the decision regrettable and not in line with U.S. commitments. The United States joins Russia and Belarus among members declining observers; Belarus sent a last-moment invitation. A State Department official said the OSCE should focus limited resources on elections where it can have the greatest impact. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Justice Department monitor plans continue what every administration has done for generations. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen called the OSCE decision deeply antithetical to freedom, democracy and transparency and urged the United States to meet the standards it expects of other democracies. Former OSCE ambassador Dan Baer said refusing observers is usually done by countries that know their elections are corrupt or unfair. The Justice Department plans to deploy 1,000 monitors. Reps. Jamie Raskin and Joe Morelle asked for assurances the program is used appropriately after Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon complained about monitor conduct during summer primaries. Trump met Tina Peters in the Oval Office to discuss election plans, according to Ed Martin.