Voting has begun in Russia's easternmost regions for a three-day election to the State Duma, the lower house of parliament. Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. local time on September 18 in Kamchatka and Chukotka, marking the start of balloting that runs through September 20 across 89 regions.

This is the first nationwide parliamentary vote since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. More than 111 million eligible voters will select 450 deputies, with half chosen from party lists and half from single-member districts. Ten parties are competing, including United Russia, the dominant pro-Kremlin party.

President Vladimir Putin, in a pre-election address, framed the vote as a demonstration of national unity behind Russian troops. Western estimates put Russian military casualties in the conflict at over 1.5 million killed or wounded. The election coincides with ongoing economic pressures and recent drone attacks inside Russia.

United Russia, which currently holds a large majority, is projected to maintain or expand its control. Pro-government polls showed the party with support in the mid-30s percent range ahead of the vote. More than 70 percent of sitting lawmakers are seeking reelection.

The only registered party to openly oppose the war, Yabloko, was removed from the ballot by the Supreme Court after initial registration. Other systemic opposition parties largely align with Kremlin policies on the conflict.

The Central Election Commission approved the three-day format in June, a practice used in recent Russian votes. Results are expected by September 22. Early voting has already occurred in some remote areas and among military personnel.

Alongside the Duma contest, voters in eight regions are electing governors and additional legislative seats are at stake in dozens of other regions.