A FORMER Ballarat, Victoria, resident now living in the United States says she fears there will be violence no matter who wins today's US election.
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Kait Douglas, who moved to the United States for marriage seven years ago, said she feels the unsettled nature of the country will continue, even if her preferred candidate Joe Biden wins.
Ms Douglas said her wife and her were concerned that their rights as an LGBTQ+ couple could be taken away if there is a Republican win.
"I moved here to marry my wife about seven years ago," Ms Douglas said.
"She is in the US Navy, so we have lived in a few different places such as San Diego, Oxnard (above Malibu) and now near Seattle.
"I originally moved here for marriage, but I have had a lot of opportunities here for work. I now work as a freelance comic artist, and also a part time baker."
Ms Douglas said there was a real concern within the LGBTQ+ community about the result with fears hard earned rights will be rolled back.
"We have had a lot of anxiety over this election," she said.
"Being an LGBTQ+ couple, we don't want our rights to be taken away, and we have made plans to return to Ballarat if things do go bad for us.
"I hope that this election moves us forward as a society and not backwards. I think a lot of people here are tired of the division, hate and violence and just want to move on, hopefully with somebody who can lead the country towards a better future for everyone."
Ms Douglas said she would be keeping an eye on the result throughout the day.
"Fingers crossed it does go well. Whatever happens here could potentially influence the rest of the world, so I hope the outcome is good," she said.
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Back closer to home, Michele Bauer, who has lived in Australia for 17 years, said there was a nervousness about today's outcome.
"Nothing is guaranteed," she said. "I think the current person in the office will make the transition very difficult.
"I think there's going to damage in the short term if Trump loses, but if there's another four years, it's going to be a very bumpy ride."
Ms Bauer said the changes to the Supreme Court judges could also set back many minority groups for years to come.
"The new member is what's known as an 'orginalist', I had to look up the definition, it means that they take every written in the literal form," Ms Bauer said.
"I think the Supreme Court is a real worry for minority communities."