The Bavaria vote is being seen as a referendum on the Chancellor and her government with the Christian Social Union (CSU) - coalition partner and Bavarian sister party of her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) - going under the spotlight.
The result could have a massive impact on the fractious coalition if the CSU loses its absolute majority amid Germany’s rise in populism and anti-government sentiment.
The parties were staunch allies until a public row over migration policy marred the partnership and nearly brought down the fragile coalition earlier this year.
CSU leaders have been openly critical of Mrs Merkel's migrant policy and fear handing yet more of the party’s political ground to the right-wing, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD), which exceeded expectations in national elections a year ago. Express.
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