In Odesa, before the elections day, holders of more than twenty cafes declared the action: everyone who takes the picture at the polling station is promised to get free coffee and other preferences, reports UNN with reference to the Civil Network “Opora”.
The action for a few days was joined by many cafes and leisure facilities, which emphasize that in this way they encourage young people to perform their civil duties. However, many institutions ask not only a photo of the voter at the polling station on elections day, but also selfie with a bulletin. The action was widely discussed in social networks and caused concern in “Opora”.
"Dear friends! Taking picture of the filled bulletin is strictly forbidden! We are supporting with both hands the great initiative for promotion of Odesits to go to the polls, but let's stick to the law. Some cafes in their posts to Facebook require pictures of filled bulletins for participation in such actions. This is expressly prohibited by law. I think that selfie at the plate with the number of the polling station may be a sufficient proof of person’s attendance to the voting, for example", said Anatoliy Boyko, coordinator for public observation of local elections, at his Facebook page.