One of the most extraordinary presidential races is now in the hands of the American people.

After months of back-and-forth, there’s still not much separating Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and those watching, waiting for results, are likely in for a long, tense evening.

“The policies he (Trump) has pursued have brought tremendous success and increased wealth,” said Paul James Jr., a Republican voter in San Antonio, Texas.

“Women in leadership positions are a very powerful and positive thing,” said Kari Holmes, a Democratic voter in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

He will be the first to obtain 270 electoral college votes.

The outcome essentially falls on seven contested states.

State election officials in those areas say that, for the most part, voting has gone smoothly.

Many Americans hope to keep it that way.

“My fear is that the situation is going to get a little wild and out of control,” said one person in Las Vegas.

“I hope people can accept what’s happening and move on,” said another.

Trump says he trusts his base to obey the law.

“I don’t have to tell you there will be no violence. Of course there will be no violence. My followers are not violent people,” he told media in Palm Beach, Florida.

Harris has spent much of the final days of the campaign in important Pennsylvania, as has Trump.

“If you give me the opportunity to fight on your behalf as president, there will be nothing in the world that will stand in my way,” Harris said.

Canadians are watching closely.

“Both candidates have agendas that will have an impact on the Canadian economy,” said Deborah Yedlin of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“If I were to weigh them up, I think there is greater concern if Donald Trump wins because of his commitment to introduce tariffs.”

Business leaders here worry about the economic impact of a Trump victory.

His promise to impose 10 per cent tariffs on US imports could increase inflation in Canada by as much as 1.7 per cent, some estimate.

“Let’s do the math. A 10 percent tariff, if you include energy, is a $16 billion hit from a GDP standpoint. We don’t need that,” Yedlin said.

The feds say they are ready to tackle the tough issues Canada will face, regardless of the outcome of the vote.

“We have been preparing for three months through our diplomatic network in the US and around the world,” said Federal Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly.