US mid-term elections 2018: Americans vote in 'poll of a lifetime'

[Wolf.17]

Republicans and Democrats are battling for control of the two houses of Congress, which make America's laws and as such impact hugely on public life.

Governor posts and seats in state legislatures are also up for grabs.

The first polls will close on the East Coast at 18:00 EST (23:00 GMT), and early results should follow soon after.

The mid-term elections come halfway through Mr Trump's four years in office and follow a divisive campaign.

Mr Trump attended three rallies on the final day of campaigning on Monday, telling his supporters: "Everything we have achieved is at stake tomorrow."

Barack Obama - on the campaign trail for the Democratic party - said "the character of our country is on the ballot".

What is at stake?

Americans are voting for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of 100 seats in the Senate - the two bodies that make up Congress. Governors are also being chosen in 36 out of 50 states.