How is early voting proceeding in Vitebsk?
The anthem of the Republic of Belarus is played. The voting has started.
Why did you come to vote early? Voters answer this question differently. Military pensioner Vladimir admits that he planned a two-day trip for the weekend. He will return late, and to avoid inconvenience to himself or the commission members (he admits that he was once in their place and understands how meticulously one should approach the matter), he decided to fulfill his civic duty early.
– The fact that every vote is important is not an empty phrase for me, – admits Vladimir. – And the future of the country is not indifferent to me.
A middle-aged woman, who introduced herself as Zoya, immediately admits: she waited for the start of voting and immediately hurried to the polling station, wanting to cast her vote among the first.
Let's start counting: 6, 7, and now 10, 11 people are lining up to see the commission members, they are found in the lists, and issued ballots. Voters go to the booths, make marks for their chosen presidential candidate, and then drop them into the early voting box. A standard procedure, verified by law. Among the voters are both young and elderly people. Resident of the district, Irina Alexandrovna, admits that the gymnasium where the polling station is located is like a second home to her family. Her children studied here, and now her grandchildren do. The teachers not only taught various subjects and provided quality education but also fostered a civic stance. The tradition of not standing aside from the most important events happening in the country is supported throughout their large family.
– I expect from the election results, probably, what we all expect: stability, peace, prosperity, – the woman admits. – All adults in our family, starting from the older generation, have higher education. If there is stability, the younger generation will be able to choose a university, get a specialty they like, and build their future as they see fit. I am already retired, so I can come to the polling station in my free time during the day. My husband will come after work – we want to dedicate the weekend to our family. I remember my childhood when we went to vote with our parents; back then, the interest in the buffet, the trade organized on the main voting day, was special – it was a difficult time in the country, a shortage of goods. Now the buffet is probably not so important – it just creates a festive atmosphere out of tradition. And the main thing is that people have learned to appreciate what they have, and therefore they show civic activity.
The chairperson of the precinct election commission explains that this is not her first time participating in the commission's work. All details have been thought out, and the algorithm of actions for both commission members and volunteers has been worked out. Maria Zaitseva reported that the Ministry of Emergency Situations employees conducted their monitoring in advance, the police have organized security, and a medical worker is ready to provide assistance if necessary. Convenient places with a view of the polling station have been provided for observers – Olga Araeva is accredited here from the trade unions, and Ekaterina Chapskaya from the BRSM. Applications are already being received from citizens wishing to vote at home. Assistance will also be provided here to voters with additional needs. In general, early voting is a tradition for voters in this precinct, which includes more than two thousand people.
Early voting takes place from January 21 to January 25, 2025. During this period, voters who will not be able to come to the polling stations on January 26 have the right to vote. During early voting, precinct commissions will operate from 12:00 to 19:00 without interruption. On January 26, the main election day, voting will take place from 8:00 to 20:00.