Hundreds of Russian polling station officials, citing the risk of spreading the coronavirus, say they won't help organize a nationwide vote on reforms that could extend President Vladimir Putin's rule until 2036.
In the July 1 ballot, Russians will vote to approve or reject constitutional reforms including a change that would allow Putin to serve two more six-year terms, if re-elected, instead of stepping down in 2024.
But around 350 election officials across the country say taking part is too dangerous at a time when authorities are still reporting thousands of new infections each day despite a drop in cases in the capital Moscow.