I am curious what region you’re from. I would guess it’s outside of the US, but perhaps there’s an area that differs from the norm I’ve experienced.
If you are indeed outside the US, I’m guessing it’s the American tradition of engagement rings, without the tradition of continuing to wear the engagement rings. That truly would be a (bigger) waste of money.
Well the reason is that there are state laws against outside observers, and no treaty giving any foreign government the ability to monitor. So they’re just enforcing the laws, as they’re supposed to.
Mind you I’m not saying the UN or any other nation is going to interfere, but seems really important to follow laws around voting to make sure the attitude of enforcement isn’t lax.