US Election update: Final poll gives Clinton 90% chance of winning as Trump hopes fade

HILLARY Clinton is almost certain to win the US election, according to the final States of the Nation poll.The Democratic candidate is set to win 303 electoral seats, taking her comfortaly past the winning point of 270.Republican rival Donald Trump is predicted to pick up 235 seats.The poll gave Mrs Clinton a three-point lead, reporting a 45-42% voting intention in her favour.

Trump's hopes lie in winning swing seats Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Ohio, which were too close to call when polling shut. Pennsylvania, where Clinton leads by three points, and traditional Republican stronghold Arizona, will also be key.

Earlier both candidates cast their votes in home state New York, with Trump booed and heckled as he entered the station.

Two topless female protesters stormed Trump's polling station, with "Donald, grab your balls" written under one's breasts.Trump began Election Day with a ritual call to the "Fox & Friends" morning news show."I'm a little bit superstitious," he said. "I've won many primaries speaking to you first in the morning."

At a rally in Philadelphia, Mrs Clinton said: "We choose to believe in a hopeful, inclusive, big-hearted America. She was joined by Democratic President Barack Obama, his wife, Michelle and Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, along with singers Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen.Polls begin to close at midnight in the Uk, with the first meaningful results due about an hour later.US television networks called the winner of the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections at 11 pm (4am GMT) or shortly after.

Victory in US presidential elections is earned not by the popular vote, but by an Electoral College system that awards the White House on the basis of state-by-state wins, meaning a handful of states where the race is close are crucial.