Patriarch of Moscow casts ballot in Russia’s State Duma elections

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow cast his ballot on Friday, September 18, the first day of voting in elections for the ninth convocation of Russia’s State Duma, as well as regional and municipal elections.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church voted at the working Patriarchal residence in Chisty Lane in Moscow. According to the Russian Church, Russian legislation allows voters, upon request, to cast their ballots outside a polling station when required for work-related reasons.

Election commission representatives provided Patriarch Kirill with two ballots: one for the federal party-list vote and another for a candidate contesting a single-member constituency.

Patriarch Kirill completed the ballots and placed them in a portable ballot box.

Voting in Russia’s 2026 State Duma elections is taking place over three days, from September 18 to 20.