An NPR report this morning discussed the upcoming election to replace Putin. Voters have a choice between Putin’s hand-picked replacement or the Communist Party candidate. Others on the ballot have no chance of winning and any serious contenders were not allowed on the ballot.

Many voters will just sit it out, knowing the election is meaningless. Don’t worry about too many sitting it out. That would create the impression of the farce that it really is. For a large percentage of people, they will vote or lose their jobs.