Joe Biden takes lead in Pennsylvania with recount due in Georgia 

Georgia’s secretary of state Brad Raffensperger said there would be a recount in the state “with a margin that small” in the potentially decisive state

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden with his wife Dr Jill Biden. Picture: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Democrat Joe Biden narrowly overtook President Donald Trump in the vote counts in Georgia and Pennsylvania, with the presidency hinging on the outcome of tight contests in key battleground states.

Neither candidate has reached the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the White House, though Mr Biden has the advantage after eclipsing Mr Trump in Wisconsin and Michigan, two crucial Midwestern battleground states.