Free Republic

nternational observers have praised the organisers of Iraq's parliamentary election, which they said generally met international standards. A spokesman for the International Mission for Iraqi Elections conceded that there had been minor problems, but said the vote had generally gone well. About 11m Iraqis were estimated to have voted, a turnout of about 70%, with results due in two weeks or more. President Bush is to make an address on the situation in Iraq on Sunday night. "We are now entering a critical period for our mission in Iraq, the president will talk about what we have accomplished and where...

GALVESTON - A half-dozen Galveston County voters could face criminal charges if a grand jury decides they intended to cast more than one early election ballot and commit voter fraud, officials said. Since early voting opened Oct. 18, daily checks indicated that six people might have voted twice as of Monday, said Galveston County Clerk Mary Ann Daigle. District Attorney Kurt Sistrunk said the cases will be submitted to a grand jury and indictments will be issued if the jury believes voting fraud occurred. Voting twice is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, Sistrunk said. More...