BAGHDAD — Iraq held its first election since the withdrawal of American troops under security so tight on Saturday that the only way for many voters to reach polling places was to walk. But the election, for local councils, was carried out largely free of violence, even as apathy prevailed among many Iraqis who questioned what benefits they have received from a young democracy still marred by political dysfunction, corruption and violence.

“I will not be fooled again,” said Haider al-Mutairy, 34, a lawyer in Babil Province, who said he would not vote, reflecting Iraqis’ widespread disenchantment with political leaders. “Nothing changed after I participated in the last elections. My street is still broken and filled with dirt, the electricity and water is still bad, and the terrorists are doing whatever they want.”

Many other Iraqis did vote, and showed off their fingers, stained with purple ink, as proof.

“It’s my duty to come here,” said Faris Zaki, who voted in central Baghdad and brought his young daughter despite the threat of violence that had escalated before the election. “I’m not afraid,” he said. “God is here.”

In many cities, roads were closed to prevent car bombs and suicide attacks, a particular worry as Al Qaeda in Iraq has been resurgent in recent months. Across Baghdad, streets normally choked with traffic became playgrounds for young boys to enjoy pickup soccer games. No deaths were reported during the vote, although a handful of people were wounded in explosions and mortar attacks in several parts of the country.