Queues form in Riga as advance voting closes before Latvian election

Long queues formed at several polling stations in Riga on Friday, the final day voters could cast ballots in advance of Latvia’s parliamentary election, LSM, the Latvian Public Media, reported. Voter activity was noticeably lower in Latgale.

Friday, October 2, was the last opportunity to submit a ballot for safekeeping ahead of Saturday’s election to the 15th Saeima. The option is available to people who cannot vote on election day.

Voters can still change a ballot submitted in advance on October 3. Only their most recently cast ballot will count. Ballot boxes will be opened and votes counted after polling stations close.

Advance voting has been available since the 12th Saeima election. This year, for the first time in a parliamentary election, voters could use the option on all five days at every polling station in Latvia.

Low activity was reported in Augšdaugava, Rēzekne and Krāslava municipalities, as well as in Daugavpils.