By: Steve Peoples, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — 2024 presidential contest enters final weekend with Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump locked in a very thin contest.

In this final phase of the campaign, every day counts. While few voters can change their minds this late in a typical election, there is a sense that the events of these final days could change the vote.

Harris and Trump are traveling the country to rally voters in key states. They try – with varying degrees of success – to focus on a clear and concise closing message. At the same time, both parties are investing large amounts of resources to increase turnout during the latest early voting period. And in these critical days, the flow of misinformation intensifies.

Here’s what we’ll be watching in the final weekend before Election Day, which is on Tuesday:

Where will Harris and Trump be?

You only have to look at the candidates’ schedules this weekend to know where this election will likely play out.

Be aware that schedules can and will likely change without notice. But on Saturday, Trump is expected to make a separate appearance in North Carolina, with a surprising stop in Virginia in between.

No Democratic presidential candidate has carried North Carolina since. Barack Obama Even though every election since 2008 has been decided by less than 3 points. Trump’s decision to spend Saturday there shows Harris has a real opportunity in the state. However, Trump is also trying to reassure by visiting the state of Virginia, which has been on the side of the Democratic Party since 2008.

There is perhaps no swing state more important than Pennsylvania, where Trump is expected to campaign on Sunday. But he will make another appearance in North Carolina, in addition to Georgia, another Southern state that has leaned Republican for nearly three decades. Joe Biden four years ago it carried that figure by less than half a point.

Meanwhile, Harris is expected to campaign in North Carolina and Georgia on Saturday; This is a sign that his team senses a real opportunity in the South. He plans to make multiple stops in Michigan on Sunday and move into a Democratic-leaning state called the Blue Wall, where his allies believe he is vulnerable.

Do they stay on message?

Trump’s campaign leadership wants voters to focus on one key question as they prepare to vote, opening each of his rallies with the same question: Are you better off today than you were four years ago?

Harris’ team wants voters to consider another: Do they trust Trump or Harris to put the country’s interests ahead of their own?