Yahoo! News - Iraqis Vote in Election, 17 Die in Attacks
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqis voted Sunday in their country's first free election in a half-century and insurgents made good on threats of violence, launching a string of deadly suicide bombings and mortar strikes at polling stations across Iraq. At least 17 people were killed, including five policemen.

Despite the heavy attacks, turnout was brisk in some Shiite Muslim and mixed Shiite-Sunni neighborhoods. Even in the small town of Askan in the so-called "triangle of death" south of Baghdad — a mixed Sunni-Shiite area — 20 people waited in line at each of several polling centers. More walked toward the polls.

In a potentially troublesome sign, however, the polls were deserted in heavily Sunni cities like Fallujah, Ramadi and Samarra west and north of Baghdad. Sunni extremists, fearing victory by the Shiites, have called for a boycott, claiming no vote held under U.S. military occupation is legitimate.

Good luck people. My heart goes out to you all.