Iraqi police say insurgents killed at least nine people in separate attacks, while security forces and people in hospitals and detention centers cast ballots today (Monday) -- three days ahead of the main voting in parliamentary elections.
Authorities are imposing tight security before the polls open for general balloting Thursday.
Iraq's borders and airports will be closed. Road travel will be restricted to vehicles with special permits, and curfews will be extended effective Tuesday.
Election officials say Iraqi voters living outside the country will begin casting ballots Tuesday at polling stations in 15 countries, including the United States.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military says one American soldier was killed in a suicide car bomb blast in Ramadi Sunday. Another U.S. soldier was killed in a roadside bomb blast in Baghdad today.