More than 43,000 people have already voted in the 15th Saeima election
More than 43,000 voters have already cast their ballots ahead of Saturday's 15th Saeima election, according to Latvia's Central Election Commission. Voters can still deposit ballots at any of 933 polling stations throughout this week.
A total of 43,571 people have already voted in the upcoming 15th Saeima election, representing at least 2.8% of all 1,557,615 eligible voters in Latvia, according to data compiled by the Central Election Commission (CVK).
Riga has seen the highest turnout so far, with 20,807 people voting — 3.47% of eligible voters in the capital. This figure includes 4,907 Latvians living abroad who registered to vote by mail. The CVK explains that for postal voting, a voter is counted as having voted once ballot materials have been sent to them, unless they declined to vote or cast their ballot in person at a polling station instead.
Turnout has been lower in other regions. In Latgale, 3,393 people have voted so far, amounting to 1.85% of eligible voters there, while in Kurzeme 3,693 voters, or 2.12%, have cast ballots.
Vote counting continues
The CVK notes that vote counting is still ongoing at some polling stations, including in Riga, meaning the overall figures may still change.
Voters can still change their minds
Throughout this week's working days, voters have the option to deposit their ballots for safekeeping at any of the 933 polling stations across the country. The CVK explains that this method of voting is conceptually similar to the early voting option previously available, but with certain procedural differences — it allows voters to reconsider and change their already-cast vote during the week leading up to election day.
The 15th Saeima election will take place on Saturday.
