Husayn: “I am happy to report…no I am honored to report that I have cast my ballot in our election. It is such an amazing feeling to be able to have some control over the destiny of my nation, a feeling I have not known before!”

“Neurotic Wife” gives terror the finger.

Mohammed and Omar: “From the early hours of the morning, People filled the street to the voting center in my neighborhood; youths, elders, women and men. Women’s turn out was higher by the way. And by 11 am the boxes where I live were almost full! Anyone watching that scene cannot but have tears of happiness, hope, pride and triumph.”

The Friends of Democracy blog has a good roundup of coverage and some interviews with Iraqi voters such as Jasem Hannoun:

Q: Is voting a religious or a national obligation?
A: Elections are a turn towards civilization; they are the summit and the essence of democracy. They mean death to totalitarianism, dictatorship and chauvinism. They are a celebration Iraqis have yearned for, for a very long time.

Alaa:

My condolences to the Great American people for the tragic recent losses of soldiers. The blood of Iraqis and Americans is being shed on the soil of Mesopotamia; a baptism with blood. A baptism of a lasting friendship and alliance, for many years to come, through thick and thin, we shall never forget the brave soldiers fallen while defending our freedom and future. This is a very hurried message, while we are witnessing something quite extraordinary. I myself have voted and so did members of my family. Thank God for giving us the chance.

[This was originally attributed to Kathryn Lopez, erroneously; now correct.]