Election Observer Program

The House Election Observer program is a critical part of the House of Representatives’ mission to ensure free and fair congressional elections.

The Constitution provides that "Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members.” To that end, the Committee on House Administration runs a program to train and dispatch election observers to districts around the country. In 2024, Congress enacted the Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act (COCOA Act), to codify its existing constitutional authority. The COCOA Act ensures that congressional observers have full access to election sites.

Congressional observers are dispatched for the purpose of observing all parts of the election process including voting, ballot processing, and ballot tabulation. Additionally, House Election Observers are responsible for gathering information as they monitor the election process. The Committee retains that information to build a factual record in case an election is contested.

Any House Staffer can volunteer to be an election observer. Interns are not eligible to participate. Observers will be required to complete training and should be available to travel in November. Travel expenses for all Republican observers will be paid by the Committee.

If you have more questions check out our FAQ or email ElectionObserverGOP@mail.house.gov