Independent observers play an important role in maintaining electoral integrity through objective monitoring. They can assist in legitimizing and enhancing the electoral process, building confidence—thus increasing voter participation, improving a state’s prospects for democratization, and reducing or preventing conflict. See ACE Electoral Integrity Topic Area. 

They also undertake essential work in observing and reporting on electoral processes, identifying areas of concern and improving efficiency, and increasing transparency around the electoral cycle. 

Observers can belong to national or international organizations; they can also be citizen observers. A number of civil society groups and non-governmental organizations encourage voters to protect the integrity of the electoral process by recording their observations and reporting them to electoral authorities and regular observers. 

In response to declining youth participation, and with increasing use of technology in electoral observation, many organizations are seeking to work with youth observers.