Voting Behavior of the Middle Class in the Moscow Megapolis

On the basis of statistical data and results of sociological polls, the authors analyze peculiarities and patterns typical for the voting behavior of the Moscow middle class in elections of various levels and scope. Results of the study have shown that the middle class is more active in elections than other groups of the Moscow population. In voting, the position held by representatives of the middle class substantially differs from the general position in Moscow, with the ruling party seeing minimum support and the number of spoilt ballot sheets exceeding the Moscow average. Representatives of the middle class think that election is conducted unfairly in Russia, there is no real alternative, and voting results are often falsified. Despite this, a considerable share of middle-class voters take part in voting, justifying this by the call of duty, aspiration to express their opinions and, at least by the number of ballot sheets cast in favor of the opposition, to tell the authorities that they are dissatisfied with the current situation.