CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – Here’s the latest on Sunday’s important congressional elections in Venezuela (all times local):
8:10 a.m.
Government-sponsored fireworks and music have awakened people in working-class parts of Caracas for a vote that poses the gravest electoral threat for the socialist system built the Hugo Chavez.
The early morning blast of noise is a traditional get-out-the vote effort in the South American country. But people in Caracas’ wealthier areas expressed surprise that they were spared the cacophony this year. Their neighborhoods tend to favor the opposition.
Voters began lining up even before polling stations opened at 6 a.m., many anxious to cast ballots early in case violence should break out later.