And though the United States does have many domestic observers — from political parties and activist groups to independent academics and journalists — to deter any potential fraud, international observers can offer a more impartial, nonpartisan review that can both verify the legitimacy of American elections by international standards and recommend steps that the country can take to improve its electoral system. Since 2002, the United States has invited the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which observes elections around the world, to monitor its elections.