The AKP wants to redraw Turkey's military-drafted constitution The main challenger is the secular Republican People's Party (CHP).
It is fielding a large number of younger candidates in an attempt to improve its appeal.
The conservative AKP, which has Islamist roots, has presided over strong economic growth and a more assertive foreign policy during its eight years in power.
It has also seen unemployment fall - down to 11.5% in March from 14.4% in the same period last year.
The AKP has put its impressive economic record at the centre of its campaign, promising an ambitious programme of new construction if elected.
Projects include a canal from the Black Sea to the Aegean, a new city outside Istanbul and new bridges, airports and hospitals.
However he is facing a strong challenge from the CHP, which has not been in government for more than 30 years.
Under its new leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the party has ditched its image as a supporter of state and military intervention in politics, and is presenting itself as a champion of European social democratic values.
Campaigning has been intense and at times bad-tempered with party leaders trading insults.
Mr Erdogan has promised to draw up a new constitution if re-elected to replace the current military-drafted one.
If he can win a two-thirds majority in parliament he will be able to do this without consulting the opposition or the public - giving him a decisive influence over the future direction of Turkish democracy.
Turkey is a member of Nato and is a candidate for membership of the European Union.
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