{
  "id": 7608844,
  "title": "Putin lost at some overseas polling stations in 2024. Here’s how Russians abroad can vote in this weekend’s State Duma elections.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/putin-lost-at-some-overseas-polling-stations-in-2024-heres-how",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T18:19:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Meduza (English)",
    "slug": "meduza-english",
    "url": "https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/09/15/putin-lost-at-some-overseas-polling-stations-in-2024-here-s-how-russians-abroad-can-vote-in-this-weekend-s-state-duma-elections"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2026, Russia will hold elections for its ninth State Duma, taking place from September 18 to 20. The campaign has been impacted by the disqualification of Yabloko, the only anti-war party with young social media support. Despite this, many Russians abroad still see the election as an opportunity to voice their opinions. Some polling stations in these countries may see a loss for Kremlin-backed candidates, including Vladimir Putin, who faced losses in 2024.\n\nRussia's Central Election Commission will set up 319 polling stations abroad, including at cultural centers. If a city or country lacks a polling station, travel may be necessary. Georgia cannot be visited for voting, but Armenia or Turkey are viable options. To avoid complications, it is recommended to start planning early. Polling stations can be found on Kovcheg's map or the Central Election Commission's website. Voting dates vary by country, with most being open for one day on September 20. However, some countries, like Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, China, Iraq, and Yemen, have different dates due to varying workdays.\n\nEarly voting is available in 45 countries, including Mexico, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, and Japan. It is essential to verify early voting availability in your specific country. Voting procedures differ, so checking official sources for exact times is crucial. Some locations have already completed voting, while others will span several days. Mobile election teams and polling places operate on varied schedules, necessitating a thorough review of official sources for accurate information.\n\nTo vote, Russians must present an original document proving their identity and Russian citizenship. This can be a valid Russian passport, a diplomatic or service passport, or a certificate of return to Russia. The certificate, obtained from a Russian diplomatic mission, confirms a citizen's identity abroad, valid for 15 days. It is advisable to apply in advance, as the process takes one to two days. No prior registration is required; voters are added to the overseas rolls on election day after providing identification.\n\nRussian citizens can vote on-site or remotely if living in regions with available systems. Remote voting instructions are available on the same link providing general guidelines. While technically, Russians cannot vote abroad, using a VPN server in Russia can circumvent this restriction. Generally, visiting a Russian diplomatic mission is safe, with no reports of detainment, searches, or kidnappings. Voters with specific designations, such as \"foreign agents\" or those subject to military conscription, can participate in Russian elections abroad. Article 32 of the Russian Constitution allows these groups to vote without restrictions, except for individuals legally declared incompetent or serving prison sentences.",
  "summary": "Russia will hold elections for the ninth State Duma from September 18 to 20, 2026. The campaign’s biggest development has been the disqualification of Yabloko, the only anti-war party and one that had drawn enthusiastic support from young social media users. Even so, many Russians, including those who have left the country, still see the election as an opportunity to make their views heard. At…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW English (Top Stories)",
        "title": "Ovechkin still backing Putin party in parliamentary vote",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/ovechkin-still-backing-putin-party-in-parliamentary-vote",
        "published": "2026-09-15T14:45:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}