PHOTOS seem show Russian state workers "voting multiple times" in the country's presidential election.

The images come after Vladimir Putin's record victory has already been soured by claims the ballots were rigged in his favour.

5 This woman - a state health official - was spotted voting three times Credit: Reuters

Many of those caught on camera turned up to the polling stations in groups and in state-run minibuses.

One woman caught voting at least THREE TIMES was identified as a hospital deputy director of health and safety.

Voting twice is a misdemeanour under Russian law and those caught are heavily fined.

But when shown these pictures, election commission member Leila Koichuyeva said: "They could be twins."

5 Journalists uncovered a loophole which allows people to vote in more than one location Credit: Reuters

Respected news agency Reuters was able to speak to seven of 17 people photographed casting multiple votes.

They either denied voting more than once or declined to comment.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said they would only take the images seriously if there was further evidence.

He said: "If they (the photos) are not backed up, then it does not worry us at all."

5 This man in a hat was spotted casting his vote at separate polling stations Credit: Reuters

Reporters monitored 12 polling stations around the country and witnessed other irregularities.

In all 12 polling stations, the turnout declared by election officials exceeded a tally kept by Reuters of how many people voted.

In one case in Simferopol the difference between the two figures was significant: 528 votes, or 66 percent of the votes cast.

The journalists also uncovered a loophole in the registration system which allows people to vote in more than one location.

5 Voting twice is a misdemeanour under Russian law and those caught are heavily fined Credit: Reuters

5 Reporters monitored 12 polling stations around the vast country Credit: Reuters

Another woman also appeared to vote twice on Sunday.

When approached the woman said her name was Jamila Tebueva who worked for the local town hall.

She said she voted only once, and went to a second polling station to accompany friends.

When told she had been photographed with a voting slip in her hand at the second location she said: "Is it alright if I don't reply?"

Video footage appears to show Russian ballot box being stuffed

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The claims come after Putin comfortably extended his rule of Russia for another six years winning 76.67 per cent of the vote.

The Central Election Commission said communist Pavel Grudinin came in a distant second with 11.78 per cent.

Third was ultranationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky with 5.66 per cent.

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