U.S. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is rising in national polls but President Barack Obama has a lead in the electoral college vote just days ahead of the election.

The Washington Post reports that Obama has secured 255 of the total 538 electoral college votes, nearing a majority of 270.

Meanwhile, Romney has secured 206 votes.

The U.S. daily says the state of Ohio, representing 18 electoral college votes, was considered a battle ground state up until recently but has shifted support towards Obama.

The Post forecasts an election-day victory will rely on seven key contending states with 77 electoral college votes at stake, including Virginia.