President Bush encourages Iraqis to vote. (Video here.)

Jim Hoft has joyous photos of Iraqi soldiers and other citizens voting.

The Officers’ Club highlights bitter moonbat reaction.

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Omar at Iraq The Model has photos of early voters.

Pajamas Media: Poll finds Iraqis optimistic

Saleno Zito in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review writes:

As deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Ambassador David Satterfield has a front-row seat to this birth of democracy. He told me in a telephone interview from Baghdad that he anticipates an “extremely broad” turnout at the polls, including Sunnis.

“Unlike the election in January, when the Sunni community almost completely boycotted the election, Sunnis now show a growing desire to participate in the political process,” he said.

“Iraqis, like Americans, need an inclusive, participatory political process, and that is exactly what has been developing here.”

With Sunnis now peacefully taking part, democracy is moving forward…

…A grassroots organization — Purple Finger for Freedom — is encouraging solidarity with Iraqis by asking Americans to sport a purple finger, imitating the ink stains used to mark voters who brave the gunfire and other dangers in that beleaguered country.

Ambassador Satterfield appreciates the gesture. “I think any recognition by the American people of the courage and commitment of Iraqis to the democratic process is a very welcome thing.”

On Thursday, Iraq’s Election Day, we should consider the successes there — one finger at a time.

A request for store owners: Go Purple.

Polipundit has predictions.

Meanwhile, don’t miss blogger Bill Roggio’s latest dispatch reporting from Ramadi, Iraq on Route Michigan.