Election observer
Also known as: election scrutineer, international observer, international election observer, long term election observer, election monitor, electoral observer
About this occupation
Election observers are skilled and trained spectators of the elections in a functioning democracy in order to enhance the transparency and credibility of the observed elections.
Essential skills and knowledge
- politics
- show impartiality
- observe confidentiality
- handle stressful situations
- adapt to changing situations
- use communication techniques
- promote human rights
- identify electoral violations
- keep updated on the political landscape
- social justice
- demonstrate commitment to democracy
- report on voting process
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Judicial Law Clerks (O*NET 23-1012.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, or statements of issues involved in cases, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.
- Research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.
- Draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.
- Confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders.
- Review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.
- Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$64,920 a year (2025), 13,290 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentExtremely important (4.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.5)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Lawyers
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
- Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.