U.S. election officials are reporting a heavy turnout in what opinion polls say is an extremely tight presidential election.
Democratic Party candidate John Kerry says he is confident he has "made the case for change." Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot in his hometown, Boston (Massachusetts), Senator Kerry said that whatever the outcome, "the country will be stronger" and more united.
President Bush stopped in Ohio to thank supporters, adding that "the election is in the best of hands" -- the voters. His chief political adviser says with the country essentially split between the two candidates, victory for the Republican incumbent will depend on winning Ohio -- a voter-rich, midwestern state.
President Bush voted earlier near his (Crawford) Texas ranch. He told reporters he feels calm and confident of victory.
There are long lines at many polling stations. Observers expect turnout to exceed the 106 million ballots cast during the last presidential election, four years ago.
Voters also are choosing all 435 members of the House of Representatives, one-third of the U.S. Senate, and thousands of local officials.