The ruling United Russia party is expected to gain a larger majority in Russia's lower house in elections on Sunday.

The election for the Duma, or lower house, is seen as a dry run for President Vladimir Putin's expected presidential campaign in 2018.

It is the first parliamentary vote since 2011. Voting started at 2000 GMT on Saturday on the Chukotka Peninsula opposite Alaska. Polls will wrap up in Kaliningrad -- Russia's westernmost point. People there can cast their vote until 1800 GMT on Sunday.

United Russia has 238 of 450 Duma seats. It also dominates more than 80 regional parliaments.