Russian Lawmaker Explains Why Online Voting Is Gaining Ground
Nearly two million citizens used digital government services to choose how they will vote in upcoming elections, highlighting growing demand for flexible, tech-driven participation.
Credit to Yaroslav Nilov's Telegram-channel
Almost two million Russians have already
logged onto the state services portal to select the most convenient way to cast
their ballots in the upcoming elections. The surge in applications underscores
how digital tools are reshaping civic participation, making the process more
adaptable to people’s needs.
The majority opted for remote electronic
voting, which allows citizens to vote online without visiting a polling
station. Others used the “Mobile Voter” service to select a polling place
closer to their residence.
According to State Duma deputy Yaroslav
Nilov, the rise of digital technology is expanding opportunities for citizens.
“Our goal is to use technology to make
democratic procedures more convenient and accessible,” Nilov told IT-Russia.
“Remote electronic voting is a natural and necessary step forward, a modern
format that complements traditional methods. History shows countless examples
of technology transforming daily life—from ledger books to software, from cash
payrolls to instant card transfers. At first, people were skeptical of these
innovations, but over time they appreciated their speed, simplicity, and
efficiency.”
Nilov argues that the same will happen with
electronic voting.
“Remote voting is, above all, about
convenience, speed, and accessibility. It lets people exercise their democratic
rights without wasting time or energy, from anywhere in the country. That
matters most for young people, active citizens, and those who physically cannot
get to polling stations. Russia is creating the conditions for everyone to vote
in the most comfortable way possible. Introducing online voting is another
important tool to boost turnout by giving citizens an additional, modern, and
reliable channel to express their will. We will continue developing digital
services to make government functions and civil rights even more accessible,”
Nilov concluded.
