Russian Lawmakers Propose Waiving Small Fines for Citizens Who Vote

Overview

• State Duma vice speaker Vladislav Davankov and deputy Sardana Avksentiyeva from the New People faction sent a formal request to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on October 28.
• The proposal would annul unpaid administrative fines up to 2,000 rubles for citizens who come to polling stations and cast ballots.
• The document outlines verification of participation followed by debt write‑off by relevant authorities, with optional integration through the Gosuslugi portal to notify users.
• The authors argue the measure offers a direct financial incentive that could lift turnout and reduce avoidable budget expenditures compared with concerts or giveaways.
• A Public Chamber member criticized the idea as distorting electoral rights and weakening the purpose of fines, and no government decision or adoption has been announced.