The outcome hinges on them
Most Americans reside outside of swing states. Get to know some of the voters who live in these pivotal areas and whose votes will play a key role in determining the next president.
TroibNews 
Across the nation, millions are preparing to head to the polls to cast their votes, with seven key states potentially determining the next president.
Polls indicate a competitive race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, drawing significant attention to the voters in these seven states. Many voters have already submitted their ballots in advance of Election Day, utilizing options like early or mail-in voting.
PMG documented the profiles of critical voter groups in the states of Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia on Tuesday, aiming to understand their motivations for heading to the polls.
The outcome in Georgia significantly depends on whether Democrats can maintain their historical backing from the Black community, a vital segment of the state’s electorate. An October poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College revealed that Harris' support among Black voters stands at 78 percent, noticeably lower than Biden’s 90 percent. Concerns have been raised about a potential shift among Black men away from the party, prompting the Trump campaign to seek greater connection with this demographic.
Arizona, which boasts the largest Latino population among competitive states this cycle, had traditionally backed Republican presidential candidates since 2000 — that is, until Joe Biden’s victory. The Trump campaign has made targeted efforts to expand support among Latino voters, and indications suggest progress is being made. Polls reflect diminishing support for the Democratic ticket within the Latino community; however, an abortion amendment on the ballot may enhance Democratic turnout.
In North Carolina, the economy remains a top priority for many voters, and middle-class workers could be pivotal. The state leaned towards Trump in the 2020 election, but Democrats aim to capitalize on a surge of enthusiasm for Harris’ campaign, reminiscent of when Barack Obama was at the helm in 2008. However, rising inflation is on many voters’ minds, which might ultimately favor Trump.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has significantly influenced the 2024 presidential race, particularly for Michigan’s sizable Arab American community. The Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel has complicated voters' decisions. During the Democratic primary, 13.2 percent chose to vote uncommitted rather than support Biden. Harris, who has generally aligned with Biden’s position on Israel, has faced backlash from critics, and increased support for third-party candidates like Green Party nominee Jill Stein could jeopardize her standing among this crucial voting bloc.
Recent controversial jokes targeting Puerto Rico, aired by a comedian, have the potential to impact Trump’s support among Pennsylvania’s sizable Puerto Rican community — the largest in the competitive states. Harris dedicated her last campaign day to engaging with voters in Pennsylvania, paying special attention to Puerto Rican communities. Additionally, suburban women, who played a key role in Biden's victory in 2020, are likely to again be a focus for both campaigns.
As the presidential campaign winds down, Trump made headlines by climbing into the passenger seat of a garbage truck in Green Bay, Wisconsin, while wearing an orange vest — a jab at Biden’s earlier comments about his supporters. Democrats have seen declining support among blue-collar workers, who have grown increasingly distrustful of the party establishment, potentially providing Trump an opening to reclaim the state, which he won in 2016.
Nevada presents one of the most unpredictable races; recent polling shows a close contest, with last-minute voters likely to influence the outcome. The economy is a significant concern, and the state’s large service sector means working-class voters could play a decisive role. Democrats have narrowly secured Nevada in the previous two presidential elections, but Republicans are optimistic about flipping it for Trump this time around.
Mia McCarthy and Hailey Fuchs contributed to this report.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
Polls indicate a competitive race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, drawing significant attention to the voters in these seven states. Many voters have already submitted their ballots in advance of Election Day, utilizing options like early or mail-in voting.
PMG documented the profiles of critical voter groups in the states of Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia on Tuesday, aiming to understand their motivations for heading to the polls.
The outcome in Georgia significantly depends on whether Democrats can maintain their historical backing from the Black community, a vital segment of the state’s electorate. An October poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College revealed that Harris' support among Black voters stands at 78 percent, noticeably lower than Biden’s 90 percent. Concerns have been raised about a potential shift among Black men away from the party, prompting the Trump campaign to seek greater connection with this demographic.
Arizona, which boasts the largest Latino population among competitive states this cycle, had traditionally backed Republican presidential candidates since 2000 — that is, until Joe Biden’s victory. The Trump campaign has made targeted efforts to expand support among Latino voters, and indications suggest progress is being made. Polls reflect diminishing support for the Democratic ticket within the Latino community; however, an abortion amendment on the ballot may enhance Democratic turnout.
In North Carolina, the economy remains a top priority for many voters, and middle-class workers could be pivotal. The state leaned towards Trump in the 2020 election, but Democrats aim to capitalize on a surge of enthusiasm for Harris’ campaign, reminiscent of when Barack Obama was at the helm in 2008. However, rising inflation is on many voters’ minds, which might ultimately favor Trump.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has significantly influenced the 2024 presidential race, particularly for Michigan’s sizable Arab American community. The Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel has complicated voters' decisions. During the Democratic primary, 13.2 percent chose to vote uncommitted rather than support Biden. Harris, who has generally aligned with Biden’s position on Israel, has faced backlash from critics, and increased support for third-party candidates like Green Party nominee Jill Stein could jeopardize her standing among this crucial voting bloc.
Recent controversial jokes targeting Puerto Rico, aired by a comedian, have the potential to impact Trump’s support among Pennsylvania’s sizable Puerto Rican community — the largest in the competitive states. Harris dedicated her last campaign day to engaging with voters in Pennsylvania, paying special attention to Puerto Rican communities. Additionally, suburban women, who played a key role in Biden's victory in 2020, are likely to again be a focus for both campaigns.
As the presidential campaign winds down, Trump made headlines by climbing into the passenger seat of a garbage truck in Green Bay, Wisconsin, while wearing an orange vest — a jab at Biden’s earlier comments about his supporters. Democrats have seen declining support among blue-collar workers, who have grown increasingly distrustful of the party establishment, potentially providing Trump an opening to reclaim the state, which he won in 2016.
Nevada presents one of the most unpredictable races; recent polling shows a close contest, with last-minute voters likely to influence the outcome. The economy is a significant concern, and the state’s large service sector means working-class voters could play a decisive role. Democrats have narrowly secured Nevada in the previous two presidential elections, but Republicans are optimistic about flipping it for Trump this time around.
Mia McCarthy and Hailey Fuchs contributed to this report.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
