1. OSCE Election Observation Mission for the U.S. 2016 Elections
Ambassador Daniel Baer
U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
National Association of Secretaries of State
NASS 2016 Summer Conference
Nashville, July 14-16, 2016

2. WHAT IS THE ? World’s largest regional security organization
57 member states in Europe, Central Asia, and North America
Promotes security, democracy, and human rights – including by observing elections in member states.
NOTE: Important to clarify to the audience that the OSCE is similar to but not the same as the UN. Per OSCE/PA, during the last U.S. presidential elections, confusion and challenges arose when U.S. election officials asked OSCE/ODIHR observers if they were from the UN and they responded “no.”)

3. Why do we invite the OSCE to observe our elections?
Leading by Example
Holding Others Accountable
Our openness & transparency help us hold other countries to account when they don’t live up to international standards.
Underscore that U.S. government invites ODIHR election observers.
Reinforce that by letting others observe our elections, we are able to do the same in less democratic countries where there can be real challenges.
Seeing American democracy in action challenges and inspires other countries to hold their own fair, transparent, democratic elections.

4. What to expect on Election Day:
OBSERVERS WILL
OBSERVERS WILL NOT
Present a valid credential on arrival at a polling or tabulation site. Ask questions of election officials and site staff. Review election materials, such as voter rolls. Unobtrusively observe preparation, polling, and vote tabulation. Note compliance with procedures.
Disrupt or interfere with the voting or tabulation process.
Advocate on behalf of any candidate or political party.
Give commands or instructions to election officials.
Make comments to the media on the substance of their observations.
Help put the audience at ease about what the observers do.
Assuage concerns that foreign observers will interfere with the election process.

5. Who do I contact if I have questions?
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Radivoje Grujic
Department of State:
Office of European Security
and Political Affairs
(202)
This is your “when things go wrong” slide.
Cite (generally) that in the past there have been instances where preventing observers for performing their mission not only led to bad press, but created an unfavorable impression that we don’t live up to our rhetoric about openness, transparency. That hurts the United States by opening us to criticism that we seek to hold countries to a different / higher standard.
Emphasize the importance of training polling officials to reach out and ask senior election officials before turning international observers away. Note that observers will generally be understanding if you ask them to wait just a minute while you confirm who they are.

6. We want to hear from you!
How can we work together to address any potential concerns?
Does your state have any best practices to share?
How can we help promote your state for warmly welcoming observers?
What additional information would be useful to you and to poll workers in your state?
Transition to ODIHR presentation and tee-up Q&A session

7. Want to serve as an OSCE election observer?
The United States is a top provider of OSCE international election observers
On-going opportunities across Europe and Eurasia
Apply online:
opportunities

8. Thank you for your help sharing the best of American democracy with the world!