Pro-Russian separatists will vote to set up a breakaway regional leadership in the eastern Ukraine region of Donetsk and Luhansk aiming to take their war-torn region closer to Russia and defying Kiev and the West as the big guns still boom across the territory.
At least 10 people have reportedly been killed after shelling of a school playground and a nearby street in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk.
Witnesses quoted by Reuters said a biology teacher and a parent of one of the school's pupils were killed during the blasts, although no children were among the dead.
The area has been a stronghold of pro-Russian separatists since the beginning of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine's curiously named Internet Party has come up with an offbeat campaign gimmick to lure voters - dressing as Star Wars characters.
Tensions remain high in eastern Ukraine after at least three died in a day of shooting during what was supposed to be an Easter truce.
In an exclusive interview with NBC News, the Ukrainian Prime Minister warns of the dangers of unchecked Russian expansion and aggression.