The first of the three scheduled voting days for the Russian presidential election has concluded. Although few anticipate any suspense regarding the outcomes, where nothing less than a landslide victory for Vladimir Putin is expected, it was nonetheless a day full of events.
Among those voting were none other than 'Barbie,' 'Tucker Carlson,' and a 'Polar Bear.'
As you might guess, it wasn't THE Tucker Carlson who suddenly showed up to vote in the election, nor was it Margot Robbie in her role as Barbie, or a live Polar Bear.
The Russian media outlet ura.news reports that the first voting day in many places across the country was almost like a 'festival,' with people arriving to vote in various costumes.
The media reports, for instance, that a woman dressed as 'Barbie' came in, while a man arrived at the voting booth carrying a large cardboard figure of 'Tucker Carlson.' In the Buryatia region, two individuals dressed as a wild boar and a polar bear showed up, with fairies and gnomes also appearing to cast their votes.
A total turnout of 35% is reported after the first day of voting in the Russian presidential election. The current Russian president, the overwhelming favorite to win again, Vladimir Putin, chose to vote online. When exactly he did this has not been disclosed, but the online systems have repeatedly crashed throughout the day due to pressure.
There are also reports of disturbances and arrests in various places in Russia on the first voting day. For instance, several Russians have poured green or blue paint into the ballot boxes, essentially spoiling the votes contained within.
You can see an example of this in the article below:
