Vladmir Putin's recent election as Russia's president was the culmination of over a decade of competitive elections and attempts at democratic reform. In fact, voting in Russia has become the only legitimate means for gaining a position of political leadership in the government, or for the transfer of power from one set of leaders to another. This important development is traced from Russia's early electoral heritage to the present with examinations of executive, legislative, and local elections. Multiple tables and figures show electoral results and party support.