Russians vote in regional elections

Russians went to the polls in regional elections today which will gauge the ruling United Russia party's ability to garner support at a time of economic hardship and high unemployment.

The Central Election Commission said voting was proceeding in an orderly fashion at nearly 31,000 polling stations in 76 of Russia's 83 regions.

But Russia's main independent elections watchdog, Golos, reported irregularities in several regions, including factory workers in Ekaterinburg being pressured to vote for United Russia by their employers.

The last major voting day for the Russian regions in October ended in a landslide for United Russia but was marred by allegations of widespread fraud.