7 November 2012 Last updated at 14:15

In pictures: US elects a president

President Barack Obama after his victory speech at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois

President Barack Obama has been re-elected for a second term, defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney. America's first black president comfortably secured the 270 votes in the electoral college needed to win the race.

People enter Washington Mill Elementary School to cast their vote in Alexandria, Virginia

After a hard-fought race that began nearly two years ago and cost more than $2bn (£1.3bn), tens of millions of Americans turned out to decide whether to re-elect the Democratic president or hand the job to Mr Romney.

Rockaway resident Jesse James (left) prepares to vote in a makeshift tent set up in the Queens borough of New York City

On the Eastern Seaboard, the fallout from storm Sandy disrupted voting plans. Temporary polling stations like this one in New York were set up where original sites were destroyed or damaged.

Surfer Mike Wegart, 30, waits to vote at Venice Beach lifeguard station in Los Angeles, California

In contrast, those in California were able to turn out straight from the surf.

Two painted mailboxes in Denver, Colorado

As the polls began to close, the US waited to hear who would be the next president.

A general view of the Empire State Building in New York

In New York, the Empire State Building was lit in blue and red to display the projected votes of both candidates.

Supporter of US President Barack Obama celebrates as she watches voting results on election night in Chicago, Illinois

As the first results started to come in, Mr Obama's supporters heard he had taken key states Michigan and Pennsylvania, as well as many others he won in 2008.

Romney supporters watch screens at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

Mr Romney's supporters were also hopeful as they heard their candidate had carried solid Republican states, in addition to taking Indiana from Mr Obama.

Supporters of US President Barack Obama cheer after networks project Obama as re-elected

Yet it soon became clear that President Obama was to serve a second term, as victory in Ohio meant he had secured the 270 votes needed to win.

Romney supporters in Boston, Massachusetts

Republican supporters were left to wonder what might have been despite the fact that several swing states, including Florida and Virginia, had yet to report results.

Supporters of US President Barack Obama celebrate

Mr Obama prevailed despite lingering dissatisfaction with the economy and a well-funded challenge by Mr Romney.

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney delivers his concession speech during his election night rally in Boston, Massachusetts

Mr Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, called the president to concede the election. He then delivered a brief speech, in which he said: "The nation chose another leader, and so Ann and I join with you to pray for him and for this great nation."

President Barack Obama waves as he walks on stage with first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha at his election night party in Chicago

At the end of a long day, President Obama took to the stage in Chicago with First Lady Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha, and addressed jubilant supporters, urging them and the whole of the country to seize the future together.

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In pictures: US elects a president

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