Latvian Security Services Bar Over 20 Daugavpils Election Staff Ahead of Vote
Latvian security services ordered the replacement of more than 20 election workers in Daugavpils just weeks ahead of local elections, part of a sweeping vetting process that screened thousands of officials nationwide. Daugavpils Election Commission chair Ruta Velika stated that the State Security Service (VDD) issued directives requiring the commission to drop the workers and bring in replacements. All 29 local polling stations are now fully staffed, according to Velika.
The dismissals stem from a broad VDD vetting operation that evaluated roughly 6,000 precinct workers across Latvia. Authorities flagged specific risk factors, including travel to Russia and Belarus following the 2025 Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the dissemination of pro-Kremlin narratives. The VDD previously warned residents against visiting Russia and Belarus. A 2025 law restricting activities that threaten national security places strict travel bans on several groups, particularly public sector employees.
Logistical Pressure in Krāslava and Across Municipalities
While Daugavpils managed its staff turnover, the late-stage personnel changes created acute administrative friction in neighboring municipalities. Krāslava Municipal Election Commission chair Zane Ločmele reported that her team received unexpected orders to alter their precinct roster on September 18, just a week before voting began, despite having an approved lineup in place since March.
“It was really just one week,” Ločmele said, describing the tight timeline required to contact individuals who had applied earlier in the year to secure replacements. She noted that the sudden churn added a heavy workload during a critical window dedicated to distributing voting materials and preparing polling locations.
Central Election Commission (CVK) head Māris Zviedris confirmed that security evaluations of precinct workers represent standard procedure, though he acknowledged that receiving security findings shortly before election day creates distinct challenges. Zviedris stated that while the exact number of individuals affected by security orders remains withheld, multiple municipalities received similar directives. He added that election commissions maintain staff reserves to handle such vacancies, and the CVK has received no reports of any municipality failing to staff its precincts.
