(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-01-27 19:17

BERLIN -- More than 10 million Germans began voting Sunday in state elections that will be the first genuine test at the ballot box for Chancellor Angela Merkel since she came to power in 2005.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel gives a speech as she campaigns in Osnabrueck, 21 January 2008. [Agencies]

In the western state of Hesse Merkel's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is running neck-and-neck with the Social Democrats (SPD).

Hesse state leader Roland Koch, in power since 1999, looks in danger of losing his seat after campaigning for new tough measures against young criminals, which have earned him a hostile reception from immigrant groups.

The CDU politician's defeat in this state of 4.1 million voters would be the first significant setback for the party since Merkel narrowly won election in 2005.

In Lower Saxony, polls predict that CDU state premier Christian Wulff will coast to victory against his Social Democrat opponent.

Polling stations opened at 8:00 am (0700 GMT) and exit polls are expected shortly after they close at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT).