For many Rotorua locals, watching the American election from a distance has been a continuing source of intrigue.

But for two American expats in Rotorua, the outcome will hit much closer to home.

The result of the election, revealing who will be America's 45th president, is expected as early as Wednesday afternoon. Polls close at 3pm (NZ time).

The Rotorua Daily Post sat down with the two expats ahead of the announcement to find out what they thought of this year's election.

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Dual citizen Alyssia Abbott voted for Hillary Clinton in the swing-state, Pennsylvania.

She left the US six years ago and has been back twice.

"I thought the last election was embarrassing but this has been ridiculous. I was actually camp Bernie [Sanders] but I voted for Hillary and I don't really understand why people hate her so much," she said.

"I don't think America will become paradise if she becomes president, but it will be a heck of a lot better than if Trump wins."

Ms Abbott said one of the things she had found astounding was the amount of misinformation floating around.

"It's amazing some people only get their information from Facebook. I feel like saying 'no, a meme is not a source of information', that's not just Trump supporters either, it's on both sides."

Ginny Buchanan left her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, in 2008 but returns at least once a year. She hasn't voted in this year's election, saying it had been "non-stop crazy".

"It's a complete joke, I wouldn't vote for either of them.

"There are so many people I've talked to who are not voting at all. Donald Trump is completely psychotic, It wouldn't just be America affected if he came into power, it would be the whole world.

"I think I'd cry if he won."

Ms Buchanan said her father was a "hardcore Republican" but hated both candidates.

"He hates Donald and he hates Hillary but I think unfortunately he will end up voting for Trump.

"I keep telling my family they should be coming here, everyone's pretty concerned."

Taupo resident Jeremy Mihaka-Dyer is visiting Chicago.

Mr Mihaka-Dyer said his trip was awesome timing, with the celebrations around the Chicago Cubs winning the 2016 World Series, the All Blacks' historic loss and now the election.

The political science graduate was looking forward to being in America for the election. He was in America when Barack Obama won the first time.

He said many young people he had spoken to at the Cubs parade said they weren't voting.

"They reckon it is rigged, so it is pointless."

Follow rotoruadailypost.co.nz tomorrow for live updates from the election.