Latgale polling stations prepare for orange air alerts

Election commissions in Latvia’s Latgale region are ready to manage voting if an orange cell broadcast warning about an air threat is issued, LSM reports. Procedures have been developed and the people responsible are identified.

Under the guidance described by Daugavpils Election Commission chair Ruta Velika, a yellow warning means voters and polling station staff should be more alert. If an orange warning is issued, the polling station will close temporarily.

Advance voting was under way on Thursday at polling station 159 in Vienības nams, a building in Daugavpils. There was a steady flow of voters and some short queues. Voter Elīna Šablinska said she chose to vote that day because she worked until 7 p.m. and would not have time later. Voters in Rēzekne also said they were voting early because their weekend plans or work commitments would make it difficult to vote on election day.

Nearly 115,000 people voted during the four days of advance voting across Latvia, almost 7.5% of eligible voters. In Latgale, the share was below 5.5%. In Augšdaugava municipality, 752 people voted, or 4% of eligible voters.

Most voters are expected to cast their ballots on Saturday, October 3. LSM reported that air threat warnings could be issued at any time in Latgale.