Russians cast early votes in ballot to extend Putin's rule

Russians go to the polls Thursday to cast early votes in a nationwide ballot on constitutional reforms that could see President Vladimir Putin remain in power until 2036. Election officials say they are opening polls ahead of the official July 1 vote to avoid overcrowding that could spread coronavirus infections. The Kremlin reluctantly postponed the vote scheduled for April 22 as COVID-19 infections increased and officials imposed restrictions to slow the pandemic.