The Kremlin is sending ‘mobilizers’ to psychology classes to help boost turnout in Russia’s elections
The political bloc of Russia’s Presidential Administration plans to step up so-called “corporate mobilization” for this year’s elections to the State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament: the practice of pressuring employees at state-funded institutions, state corporations, and major companies with owners loyal to the authorities to vote. The administration is assigning turnout…
The Kremlin is deploying "mobilizers" to psychology classes in an effort to increase voter turnout in Russia's upcoming State Duma elections. This "corporate mobilization" tactic, previously limited to specific regions and companies, has now become widespread nationwide. Mid-level managers, referred to as "mobilizers" or "brigade leaders," will oversee groups of several dozen employees and monitor their voting habits.
The shift in strategy is attributed to growing voter apathy and falling approval ratings for the authorities, exacerbated by public fatigue from the war and economic crisis. Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) poll results show a decline in United Russia's approval rating from 37% to 33%. Political strategists claim the mobilization will become more targeted and precise, even recruiting mid-level managers and rank-and-file employees.
"Brigade leaders" receive training in psychology and "social architecture" to prepare people for polling stations. Despite the effort, some employees and officials argue that the pressure from mobilizers may have the opposite effect, causing frustration and anxiety among the workforce.
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