Russia starts early voting

Russia is starting presidential polls in distant parts of the state, such as polar stations, lighthouses, vessels and electoral districts abroad, ITAR-TASS reports.

Early votes will be organized in 36 regions, the whole Far East, Siberia and the Urals. About 150,000 people took part in early votes at the latest parliamentary polls, which is about 1% of the electorate.

Normally, early polling starts 15 days ahead of elections. Some people in distant areas of the state cannot reach the polling stations on time. This is why electoral commissions will visit them in helicopters and other types of transport. It is one of the most complicated procedures within the framework of the electoral process, officials spend 18 hours a day in the air.

Average expenses per voter are 577 rubles. The sum in Sakhalin, Khanty-Mansiysk, Trans-Baikal Region, Chukotka reached 3,000-4,000 rubles.

Early votes will continue until March 3. Voting will also be held in 58 states for over 80,000 people. Polling stations will be organized in 6 Muslim states. A total of 384 polling stations in 147 states will open.