Decision day: America votes, the world is watching

US voters are heading to the polls on Tuesday to decide between presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump with the result hotly anticipated in Europe.

Seven battleground or swing states are expected to determine the election outcome with polls showing the two candidates in a close race for the White House.

Tens of millions of US citizens have already cast their vote in the closely watched election as part of early voting.

The outcome could impact US relations with Europe, including related to issues such as the future of aid to Ukraine, NATO, and transatlantic trade.

Some in Europe see a potential Harris administration as a continuation of the status quo in relations, while there’s an expectation that a second Trump administration would be more protectionist with his “America First” agenda.

US election will determine more than just the White House

The election on Tuesday will also determine who runs two houses of the US Congress. Here you can see the results for the Senate and the House of Representatives.

There are 34 Senate seats up for grabs in this election, with the Democrats hoping to hold onto their slim majority there.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election as well, with the Republicans working to keep their narrow majority.

Americans will also decide on many statewide ballot initiatives on issues such as abortion access and legalising marijuana.

Overseas, there’s been less focus on the House and Senate races with all eyes on Harris and Trump, but control of Congress would have a huge impact on whichever candidate passes the finish line.

Find out our latest news and in-depth analysis on US elections on our election hub.