Former President Barack Obama has called on Americans to turn out in large numbers for Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, as voting gets underway for one of the closest US presidential elections in recent history.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Obama reminded voters of the importance of their participation, emphasizing that the day represents “who we are and what we stand for.” He encouraged people to check their polling locations on IWillVote.com and share their voting experiences online. “Let’s get out there and win this thing!” he wrote, sharing his support for Harris and the Democratic campaign.

Obama also posted a video message stressing the importance of every vote, especially in battleground states where “a handful of votes in every precinct could decide the winner.” He encouraged voters to bring family and friends, make a voting plan, and support Harris and Walz.

Polling stations opened early Tuesday, with Harris and Republican contender Donald Trump locked in a neck-and-neck race across key states. Harris’s campaign has emphasized issues like abortion rights and economic reform, while Trump’s rallies have focused on his America-first agenda.

The election is seen as pivotal for the US and its future on the global stage. Voting hours vary by state, with most polls open between 6 am and 8 pm local time. Poll closures begin at 7 pm ET, with final closures at midnight in Hawaii and Alaska. Results from smaller states may come quickly, though projections for key battlegrounds could take hours.

(Inputs from ANI)