Voters go to the polls in Germany's most populous state in a key test for Chancellor Merkel's coalition government

Voting is underway in Germany's most populous State of NorthRhine-Westfalia. This regional poll is the firs test at the ballot box for Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative lead colaition of CDU/CSU and the free democrats. If her candidate loses, this will also be a setback for Merkel's ability to shape federal policy. So the pressure is on not just for the incumbent State Premier.