Polls are open in eastern Ukraine.<br /> <br />Hundreds are lined up across the region to cast their vote in a controversial referendum.<br /> <br />Will the region stay with Ukraine? Or will it take on self-rule as the Donetsk People's Republic?<br /> <br />In Slaviansk, where armed pro-Russian rebels keep a heavy presence, one voter says she cannot support the government in Kiev.<br /> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) SLAVIANSK RESIDENT SVETLANA SAYING:<br /> <br />"Of course I'm going to vote so that we have a federal structure. I don't recognize these authorities. They are a junta and took power using bandit ways."<br /> <br />Kiev considers the referendum illegal.<br /> <br />But it hasn't stopped voters from participating.<br /> <br />In Donetsk, some voters ultimately see their future like that of Crimea, which Russia annexed in March.<br /> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) DONETSK RESIDENT TATIANA SAYING:<br /> <br />"It will be a two-stage referendum. First we voted to be a federal republic. Further, we'll see. (REPORTER ASKING OFF CAMERA, WHAT
