Moscow has prepared its electronic voting system for upcoming elections, according to Artem Kostyrko, head of the Moscow Government Department for the Improvement of Regional Government and the Development of Smart Projects. Speaking at a meeting of the Election Observation Public Headquarters in Moscow, Kostyrko outlined the safeguards and testing completed to ensure a smooth process.
He stressed that data within the system is securely protected and that the city has built defenses against potential threats and cyberattacks. Recalling recent assessments, Kostyrko noted that testing has been thorough and regulatory requirements have been met, adding that the department has not experienced any failures in recent years. In other words, there is confidence in the robustness of the platform as voters prepare to participate. This information is reported by the Moscow city news agency.
Since 2019, residents of Moscow have had a choice in how they cast their ballots. They can drop a paper ballot at a polling station or vote electronically. Kostyrko explained that this year voters will be able to vote electronically directly at the polling station, streamlining the process. On election day, individuals will still have the option to vote in person using a traditional paper ballot if they prefer. This dual approach aims to provide flexibility while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
The capital’s mayoral election is scheduled to take place from September 8 to 10, 2023. Five candidates are participating in the race: the incumbent mayor Sergei Sobyanin (United Russia), Leonid Zyuganov (KPRF), Dmitry Gusev (Just Russia – For Truth), Boris Chernyshov (LDPR), and Vladislav Davankov (New People). This lineup reflects Moscow’s diverse political landscape and the ongoing transition toward incorporating technology into civic participation.
As Moscow continues to modernize its electoral framework, observers and residents alike are watching closely to understand how electronic options will influence turnout, accessibility, and trust in the process. The ongoing emphasis remains on security, transparency, and user-friendly design to ensure that every eligible voter can participate with confidence.