US polls close in Kentucky, Indiana

WASHINGTON: The first polls closed Tuesday in the US general elections, with most of Indiana and the eastern part of Kentucky delivering their verdicts in President Barack Obama's fight for another term.

Polls closed at 6:00 pm (2300 GMT) in parts of the two states observing Eastern Standard Time. Indiana and Kentucky both straddle two time zones.

The results from the states are unlikely to be decisive in the election as both are widely expected to vote for Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

However, Indiana -- which voted narrowly for Obama in 2008 -- has a competitive Senate race, where Democrats have a chance to pick up a seat after controversial remarks on abortion by Republican candidate Richard Mourdock. (AFP)