Estonia's parliament amended the constitution in March to bar non-EU residents from voting in local elections, a move mainly affecting people who still hold Russian passports.

Lawmakers framed it as a national security measure amid tensions with Moscow, saying only Estonian citizens should decide local matters.

As voting began, Estonians in the border city of Narva reflected the country's growing divide over identity and belonging.

Correction, October 19, 2025: A previous version of this video contained the incorrect spelling of the names of candidates Jekaterina Platonova and Artur Viks. DW apologizes for these errors.