New Hampshire voters headed to the polls to choose candidates for US president on Tuesday, with Hillary Clinton fighting to keep her once high-flying Democratic campaign alive against rival Barack Obama’s surge.

Five days after finishing a disappointing third in Iowa, the former first lady trails Obama by double digits in several state polls but promised she was staying in the race until the February 5 “Super Tuesday” round of nominating contests.

For Obama, an Illinois Senator bidding to be the first black president, a win in New Hampshire would solidify his hold on the top spot in the Democratic nominating campaign and deal a second consecutive humiliating loss to Clinton, the former front-runner.

In a hard-fought Republican battle, Senator John McCain of Arizona holds a narrow lead over Mitt Romney, the former governor of neighboring Massachusetts who poured tens of millions of his personal wealth into the race.

State election officials have predicted a record turnout in New Hampshire during the most wide open US presidential race in more than 50 years, with no sitting president or vice-president seeking the nominations.

Polls close at 8 pm EST (0100 GMT Wednesday) on Tuesday, with results expected to begin rolling in quickly.

Candidates made a last bid for support on Tuesday, visiting voting stations and holding morning rallies to urge their backers to get to the polls.

“The American people have decided for the first time in a very long time it is time for change in America,” Obama told a rally at Dartmouth College.

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