Two-thirds of Russians opposed to introduction of mandatory voting in elections – poll

Arm and Torso of Person in Brown Sweater Placing Paper Ballot into Ballot Box

MOSCOW. Nov 1 (Interfax) – The idea of introducing mandatory voting in Russian elections has so far failed to win public support, with 63% of Russians against it and 34% in favor, the VTsIOM said.

The opponents cited “voting being everyone’s personal business” (64%) and “sometimes being objectively unable to vote” (14%).

Those who support the initiative said participation in elections is “a civic duty, people must be responsible for their country’s future” (51%). Besides, in their view, this measure will help rule out rigging (16%) and make elections more objective and transparent (14%).

The respondents backing the idea were not unanimous on whether sanctions must be introduced for violation of the requirement if it becomes law: 32% propose introducing a penalty system, 13% community service, and another 14% suggested public reprimand. However, 33% said there should no punishment at all for “dodgers,” according to the findings of the telephone poll conducted among 1,600 respondents on October 1-2.

If the previously removed “against all” line is put back on the ballot, the proportion of supporters of mandatory voting would rise to 45%, though 48% are still not ready to support this initiative.

In September the head of Russia’s Central Election Commission, Ella Pamfilova, did not rule out a referendum on whether voting should be mandatory. She later said that she had spoken on the subject only hypothetically and that there was no such initiative at the moment. She also said that this topic will not be relevant for discussion any time soon.

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