Crimea Votes In First Elections Since Annexation By Russia

At a polling station in Simferopol, Russia's double-headed eagle has replaced the Ukrainian emblem.

Irregularities were reported soon after the polling stations opened.

A man casts his ballot in Simferopol.

Turnout was reportedly lower than during the independence referendum that paved the way for Russia's takeover in March.

A voter studies the ballot. Many residents of Crimea, voting in a Russian election for the first time, are unfamiliar with Russian political parties.

A quiet moment at a polling station

Election officials reported voter turnout at 60 percent.

Police, self-defense groups, election observers, and officials of the Emergency Ministry were all on watch at polling stations.