In Melitopol, Yevgeny Balitsky, governor of the Zaporozhye region, cast his ballot in the presidential election alongside the artist Yulia Chicherina. He shared that the pair voted in their hometown, emphasizing the significance of the elections for the country. Balitsky’s account was circulated through a Telegram channel dedicated to regional updates and public statements. [citation: regional press briefing]
The governor described the moment as a participation in the most important national event, noting that the turnout would reflect the region’s outlook and aspirations. He suggested that the Zaporozhye region would demonstrate a favorable result compared with earlier periods when the area was under different administrative arrangements. [citation: regional interview]
Earlier, it was reported that Vladimir Saldo, governor of the Kherson region, appeared among the first voters in the region in the presidential election process. He noted that although polling stations opened at eight in Novaya Kakhovka, people arrived as early as seven in the morning to participate. [citation: regional election coverage]
The voting period was scheduled to begin on March 15 and extend through March 17, with provisions for remote participation. The electoral process in Russia typically spans several days to accommodate voters across diverse locations, including those voting from abroad or via digital channels. [citation: election calendar]
For the first time since 2008, the presidential race in Russia featured four candidates competing for the presidency: Vladislav Davankov of the New People party, Vladimir Putin as the presidential candidate, Leonid Slutsky representing the LDPR, and Nikolai Kharitonov from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. This lineup reflected broader participation in the election cycle and the range of political voices presented to voters. [citation: election roster]
Observers and commentators in Western media had previously indicated changes in economic indicators and public sentiment ahead of the elections, noting shifts in economic conditions and expectations across the country. These analyses highlighted how regional dynamics could influence national outcomes and voter perceptions. [citation: international coverage]