Whanganui Americans transfixed by election

Whanganui people with roots in the United States are paying close attention to the chaotic election campaign playing out there.

Britt Bunkley, from Rhode Island and living in Aramoho, is watching what's happening on the internet. Kathy Cunningham, from New York City, is in Australia at the moment but keeping in touch with it on her cellphone.

Mr Bunkley predicts Hillary Clinton will squeak in. Ms Cunningham says it's too close to call.

She grew up in a Republican household, but is praying Hillary Clinton will win in a landslide. She has been astonished that Donald Trump has got this far toward the presidency.

She has not organised a way to vote in the election. Mr Bunkley has.

He normally votes for third parties, neither Republican nor Democrat. This time he voted for Hillary Clinton.

"Whatever happens, I actually don't think it's going to be good. I think that America is on the verge of something, and I don't know what it is. If politicians don't pay attention then something will happen," Ms Cunningham said.

She was reluctant to use the word "war", but said the country had become polarised.