Looks like Russians recognize the 'Putin' police state.

Russians seem to be doing what other European citizens fail to do, criticize the system and cast protest votes. I have a question: are the spoiled votes counted? Normally, this is a protest vote in principle but usually one can check that they abstain and that is recorded.

I guess it's probably disregarded in Russia since there's so much corruption and fraud with the voting system in Russia?

But, the idea that Russians realize that they need to protest and not accept these parties is good. Soon, they will assert Democracy doesn't work and they will be right. But, hopefully, they don't resort to wanting just another authoritarian government. Imho, the problem in Russia is the widespread corruption and culture of unethical behavior. Bribes, unethical justice system and corruption that persists allowing thefts and acquisition of power.

From my reading, I would say there are no worthy candidates to vote for. Russians should protest that everyone should abstain or vote 'for no one' and demand this gets recorded.

There is no choice and the 'democracy' that the Russian leaders praise is a fraud. But, Russians still have to be careful. It seems anytime there is division and protests, some special interest organization obtains riches from the Bankers and funds these fraudulent 'revolutionaries' to tyrannize Russia (aiding in its collapse to enforce and implement more fascist/'communist' rule). Look at history for examples. In the meantime, these articles are of interest.

Vote, Spoil, Rally: Opposition's Duma Choices | News | The Moscow Times

Why opposition is urging voters to sabotage ballots in Russia election - CSMonitor.com

Russia set to repeat Soviet mistakes: Economist | Video | Reuters.com