VDD security vetting forces polling station staff changes in Daugavpils

Daugavpils Polling Stations Replaced Over Twenty Staff Members

In Daugavpils, where 29 election polling stations operate, the local election commission stopped working with more than 20 staff members following security directives. Ruta Velika, chair of the Daugavpils Election Commission, stated to broadcasters that she received an assignment from the State Security Service (VDD) to carry out these actions. Despite the abrupt changes, Velika confirmed that all election polling stations are fully staffed.

Krāslava Confronts Last-Minute Staffing Overhaul

Krāslava manages 26 polling stations staffed by 140 workers. Although the roster was originally approved in March, commission leadership received an order on September 18 requiring a complete composition change. Zane Ločmele, chair of the Krāslava Municipal Election Commission, described the mandate as an additional burden just one week before the election during a heavy workload period involving material distribution and station preparation.

“Šķiet, ka mēs veiksmīgi tikām galā un šobrīd sastāvs ir izveidots, un mēs esam gatavi,” Ločmele explained regarding the scramble to replace personnel. “Tā tiešām bija tikai viena nedēļa, mēs pieņēmām lēmumu izvēlēties cilvēkus, uzrunāt šos cilvēkus, kuri bija pieteikušies jau martā. Jāsaka, ka praktiski zvanījām tiem, kuri bija pieteikumus atsūtījuši – piekrita.”

Central Election Commission Evaluates Regional Preparedness

Māris Zviedris, head of the Central Election Commission (CVK), noted that security vetting of polling station workers by security authorities is standard practice. He stated that assessments are delivered at various times, including immediately prior to elections. While Zviedris acknowledged that adjustments become more challenging one week before voting, the CVK currently holds no information indicating that any municipality faces insurmountable problems staffing its polling stations.

While the precise number of individuals affected by security orders remains undisclosed, Zviedris confirmed that prohibitions hit multiple local governments. Authorities maintain employee reserves to cover unexpected vacancies.

Security Service Details Vetting Criteria and Travel Restrictions

The VDD confirmed to the Latgale editorial office of Latvian Public Media that approximately 6,000 polling station workers underwent background checks. Identified risk factors included travel to Russia and Belarus following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, alongside the dissemination of pro-Kremlin narratives.

The service reiterated its repeated warnings urging residents against traveling to Russia and Belarus. The 2025 entry into force of the Law on Restricting Activities Threatening National Security implements a strict travel ban to Russia and Belarus for designated groups, primarily individuals employed within state institutions.