People registering their vote yesterday all believed that the election race was too close to call.

The advanced polling was held yesterday at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church Hall on King Street, allowing incapacitated voters or voters who will be absent from the island next Tuesday the opportunity to cast their vote.

Despite an increased security threat, both party leaders, Premier Ewart Brown and UBP Leader Michael Dunkley, were at the poll — at one stage shaking hands and laughing for the cameras.

As the voters came out, the majority felt that the race to win power in the December 18 vote was going to be close.

Ms Fiona Hatfield, 58, of Paget, voted for UBP and said: "I think it's going to be very close and that the United Bermuda Party are going to get in and they need to get in. They are a good team."

Ms Lora Douglas, 41, also of Paget, added: "I think it's close but I'm hoping the PLP will win."

Ms Tavana Webb, 37, of Devonshire, said: "I think PLP will win by a long shot. For many young electors this may have been their first or second time voting."

And Mr. Mark Burrows, 22, of Sandys North Central, revealed he voted for UBP. "I'm not sure who will win. I'm hoping the UBP get in to be honest," he said.

Mr. Robin Swan, 58, of Devonshire, chose not to reveal who he voted for but said the result would be very close but he believes the PLP is going to tip it.

One voter, James Smith, 23, said: "I flew halfway around the world from Argentina to vote. Regardless of which way today voters decided to vote, the event was well attended by both parties and gave the public a little taste of how smoothly the day may run next Tuesday."