Iraqi Americans will have the oppurtunity to vote locally in Iraqi parliamentary elections beginning March 5.

The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission has been preparing polling stations throughout the world to allow expatriates to vote.

In Iraq, elections are to be held March 7. Iraqis living outside the country can vote from March 5-7.

Polling stations are to be open from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. local time all three days.

Two Detroit-area polling stations are being set up to serve the region’s large Iraqi community at: Bella Banquet Hall, 4100 E. 14 Mile Rd in Warren and Dearborn Tree Manor, 5101 Oakman Blvd in Dearborn.

One local man, Masoud “Sam” Yono, is running in the election. His campaign website is www.yonoforiraq.com. He hopes to represent Mosul.

Imam Husham Al-Husainy, director of the Karbala Center in Dearborn, said a community meeting to provide information on voting locally in the elections is to be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m. at the center, 15332 Warren Ave.

Contact local Iraqi election authorities in Macomb County at 248.912.8173 and in Wayne County at 313.595.6216.