Alexander Asafov, a political scientist, member of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce, political commentator of the “Moscow speaks” radio station, believes that remote electronic voting (DEG) will increase voter turnout in elections.
“DEG was used in elections in Maryino and Babushkinsky districts in 2020. Due to this parameter, turnout was significantly higher than in municipal elections and voting in the State Duma. I believe that the ease of voting attracts voters. “Both those who voted for the first time and those who could not go to the polls for various reasons voted,” Asafov said.
According to the political scientist, Muscovites are used to using public services in digital form.
“Muscovites use free Wi-Fi, digital services mos.ru and Gosuslugi. It is more convenient for Muscovites to use a phone or computer. People are positively evaluating the opportunity to vote remotely. “Many times people are not even aware of the upcoming elections, but they are aware of the possibility of DEG,” he said.
This year, for the first time in the country, an electronic voter list will be tested in Moscow. Ballot boxes will be equipped with computers, data regarding the issuance of ballot papers will be automatically checked and entered. Alexander Asafov emphasized that the electronic voter list will help prevent some problems in the vote count.
“Double-voting attempts, the risk of human error in entering voter data, and many other factors created problems. In Moscow, which has a population of millions, the use of electronic voter lists will facilitate the work of voters. The system collects and updates information online. In Moscow, about 45,000 corrections per month are made on voters in connection with change of residence, death, coming of age. It is impossible to take into account all changes quickly. “The electronic voter list eliminates the possibility of errors arising from the automation of the process.”
According to the political scientist, even those who have a negative attitude towards the DEG change their minds.
“Take the example of the Communist Party. They opposed DEG in 2021. At the same time, the party received a large number of votes electronically. I do not find their critical positions successful. I think almost everyone will sooner or later understand all the advantages of the DEG and change their minds, ”concluded the political scientist.
From 9 to 11 September 2022, elections will be held in Moscow for representative bodies of local self-government. A total of 1,417 municipal deputies will be elected in 313 multi-member constituencies located in 124 districts of Moscow and the Troitsk urban district. To vote online, a voter must have a full account on the mos.ru portal. The availability of remote electronic voting can be checked in a special section in your personal account.