Election day in America

Virginia Republican Bob McDonnell talks to reporters after voting at Rivers Edge Elementary School in Glen Allen. McDonnell beat Democrat Creigh Deeds in the state's race for governor Photograph: Mark Wilson/Getty

McDonnell votes at a polling station in Glen Allen, Virginia. The Republican had an early lead over Deeds in the polls Photograph: Mark Wilson/Getty

Creigh Deeds, the Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, greets supporters after casting his vote in Millboro Photograph: Don Petersen /AP

New Jersery governor Jon Corzine waves to supporters after casting his vote at a polling station in Hoboken. Corzine was in danger of losing the governorship as his state's economy crumbles. Obama made five campaign stops for Corzine in hopes of securing a victory for the fellow Democrat Photograph: Hiroko Masuike/Getty

Republican candidate for New Jersey governor Chris Christie prepares to vote in Mendham. Polls show Christie was in a statistical dead heat with Corzine Photograph: Mel Evans/AP

A poll worker talks to New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg at a voting precinct. Bloomberg does not face a strong opponent in the race and should easily be re-elected Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty

A man enters a polling station in New York. In upstate New York, a battle for the 23rd congressional district, a Republican stronghold, is being waged by Democrat Bill Owens and Conservative party candidate Doug Hoffman. Hoffman has been endorsed by the likes of Sarah Palin and Tim Pawlenty. Dede Scozzafava, the Republican candidate, quit the race after conservative activists campaigned against her and accused her of being too moderate on social and economic issues Photograph: Stan Honda/AFP

Referendum 1 supporter Joseph Skinner holds a sign in Portland, Maine. The measure would repeal a law that made Maine the fifth state to legalise gay marriage in America Photograph: Joel Page/Reuters

Lauren Parke, left, and Matthew Vickery hold signs in support of Referendum 71 in Seattle, Washington. If it passes, the referendum will expand Washington state's domestic partnership rights for gay and senior couples Photograph: Stephen Brashear/Getty