Modern approach to content and stages of electoral process in Russian Federation

The article reveals modern approaches to the definition of electoral process in the Russian Federation. The stages of electoral process inherent to the Russian Federation are also determined. It was established that the electoral process in focus can be defined both through the content of its regulations and a succession of actions undertaken by its participants. The most apposite approach to the understanding of the essence and structure of the studied electoral process is achieved by singling out its three components: subjective, technological, and institutional. However, the latest legislative changes related to information technologies’ use during elections revealed the need to expand the content of the technological component. This extension is reached by the inclusion of “resource’s provision” element into the essence of technological component. Resources’ provision includes: state automated system of the Russian Federation “Elections”, electronic voting system, and video surveillance. Proposals made in the article contribute to a deeper understanding of the electoral process structure in the Russian Federation, which in turn leads to the improvement of electoral management and realization of the citizens’ electoral rights. These proposals can also be considered when changes in electoral legislation are made.