Latvians vote in 15th Saeima election as polls open until 8 p.m.

Latvians are voting on Saturday, October 3, to elect the 15th Saeima, with polling stations open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time in Latvia and abroad, LSM reports.

Fourteen candidate lists, with a total of 1,428 candidates, are competing for seats. More than 169,600 people voted early, and nearly 5,000 citizens registered to vote by post. The Central Election Commission counts postal voting toward turnout, which has reached 11.20%. Voters may still change their choice on election day; only their latest ballot will count.

Voters can cast their ballot at any polling station in Latvia. Mobile voting will also be available at 82 locations across 14 municipalities. There are 88 polling stations abroad, in addition to postal voting.

Voters must bring a valid Latvian passport or identity card. In the voting booth, they choose one party list and may mark candidates they support or oppose. The ballot must be placed in an envelope, sealed and put in the ballot box.

People unable to reach a polling station for health reasons can apply in writing to their municipal election commission to vote at home or in a care institution. If someone who applied has not been visited by 3 p.m. on October 3, they should contact their municipal election commission.

After polling stations close, votes will be counted and results published on the Central Election Commission website. Information about polling-station operations during an air-raid alert will be sent by cell broadcast.