SEVEN STATES TO WATCH

FLORIDA

Number crunchers argue that Trump MUST win Florida if he is to have a hope of winning − while Clinton could lose it and still win overall. Clinton could be helped by a large turnout of Puerto Ricans in this state.

NORTH CAROLINA

Voted Republican in 2012, but Clinton had been performing well here − until it emerged black voters were not responding to her message.

PENNSYLVANIA

Splits pro-Trump in rural areas and pro-Clinton in cities. Latest polls give Clinton a 48 per cent to 42 per cent lead. The state was hit hard by Barack Obama’s healthcare reforms, possibly driving many voters to Trump.

MICHIGAN

Trump has cut into what a month ago looked like an unbeatable Clinton lead. He may be counting on signs that many AfricanAmericans are uninspired by Clinton and apathetic about voting.

OHIO

Democrats have been pouring resources in to try to reverse Trump gains. Ohio has picked the winning candidate in every election since 1964.

IOWA

Clinton appears to have given up on the agricultural Midwestern state, as the latest poll gives Mr Trump a comfortable 7 per cent lead.

MINNESOTA

Minnesota hasn’t voted Republican since 1972. A recent poll put Clinton five points ahead but many voters are undecided.