Politics               Voice of Election Hotline       13 September 2023


   For the first time in a long while, I was unable to observe
   the Russian elections firsthand.  I am currently in Sakartvelo,
   and until Putin's regime falls, it seems I won't be returning to my
   homeland.  Nevertheless, even though I couldn't be physically present
   at the elections, I managed to participate in them.  This year,
   for the first time, I volunteered at the election observers' support
   hotline.

   For security reasons, I cannot share the internal workings
   of the hotline, such as the number of participants, the specifics
   of an operator's duties, or the details of calls received.  However,
   I can say that it was an immensely rewarding and enlightening
   experience.  It allowed me to assist numerous individuals, including
   voters and observers, and deepen my understanding of electoral law.

   I was pleasantly surprised when an voter, well-versed in electoral
   law, contacted the hotline to report a violation at his polling
   station.  I guided him on how to draft and submit a complaint
   to the local election commission.  He reached out to me several times
   for clarification on the complaint submission process, and,
   in the end, he successfully reported the election violation.

   I also fielded calls from observers asking about the mechanics
   of the remote e-voting system.  This platform allows voters to cast
   their votes remotely without visiting their polling stations.
   Unfortunately, this system has some serious flaws that, I believe,
   enable the Russian government to tamper with the voting outcomes.
   During these elections, numerous reports emerged of voters being
   pressured to engage in e-voting.

   Beyond my hotline duties, I also had the honor of contacting past
   election observers to invite them to monitor the current elections.
   While I was able to recruit only a handful of individuals, I am
   thrilled to have had this chance to support the strengthening
   of Russia's civil society.  I am hopeful that once the political
   situation stabilizes, I'll have another opportunity to participate
   in the elections as an independent observer.

   Contrary to what one might expect, working as a hotline operator was
   not stressful.  In fact, after my shift, I felt invigorated and full
   of life.  I cherish interacting with people and, more significantly,
   value being a part of a team that aids in protecting the rights
   and freedoms of my fellow citizens.  Until I can return to Russia, I
   intend to continue serving in future elections as a hotline operator.
   The experience was truly fulfilling.





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