You’ll have heard the term “swing states” a lot this election season, but let’s break down exactly what they are and where they are so you can get the full picture.

Essentially, these are states that have a disproportionate impact on presidential elections because they switch between voting Republican and Democratic.

Millions of dollars have been poured into campaigns in these areas; This underlines that gaining additional votes in universities is vital.

This year, the critical states are Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and North Carolina.

Here’s what the voting looks like in these states right now.

We’ll take a closer look at each below – or you can watch our video explainer…

Arizona – 11 electoral votes

This state gave Joe Biden the presidency in 2020 after supporting Democrats for the first time since the 1990s.

This place is also at the center of immigration debates in the country due to its long border with Mexico.

Immigration is seen as one of the most important issues for voters.

Donald Trump said he would carry out the “largest deportation operation” in history if elected.

Kamala Harris said she would renew her push for comprehensive border legislation that would tighten immigration and promised to “enforce our laws” against border crossings.

Georgia – 16 electoral votes

Democrats upset Georgia in 2020, and the state’s large African American population played a key role in their victory.

Fulton County in Georgia is also the site of alleged election interference, which led to one of Mr. Trump’s four indictments.

Gun laws could be a big issue here after a school shooting earlier this year in which a 14-year-old boy killed four people and injured nine with an assault-style rifle.

After the shooting, Ms Harris said: “We must end this epidemic of gun violence.”

Throughout his career, he has been a vocal advocate for reinstating the assault weapons ban.

Mr. Trump has vowed to firmly protect gun rights if re-elected.

North Carolina – 16 electoral votes

Like Georgia, North Carolina was a reliably red state.

In the past 50 years, Democrats have won here only twice; With Jimmy Carter in 1976 and Barack Obama in 2008.

Despite this, it is classified as a swing state as Republicans have seen a slim margin of victory in recent elections.

The data also shows that from 2011 to 2021, most newcomers to North Carolina came from heavily Democratic states like California, New York and New England. Black, Latinx, and multiracial people also make up 90% of North Carolina’s new residents; these are traditionally left-leaning groups.

But the state’s population is majority white and polls show some are concerned about immigration, which could bolster the anti-immigration sentiment of Mr. Trump’s campaign.

Michigan – 15 electoral votes

In the last two elections, the state that chose the winning presidential candidate was Michigan.

The key issue here has been current President Joe Biden’s support for Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza and the broader Middle East crisis.

Activists in the state are calling on the government to halt military aid to the country.

Mr. Trump emphasized his support for Israel during the presidential debate in June, saying the United States should let it “finish the job” in Gaza.

Ms Harris also affirmed her “unwavering commitment to Israel” during a meeting with the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He also drew attention to the “devastating” civilian deaths in Gaza during the Democratic National Convention.

Nevada – 6 electoral votes

Both candidates are trying to win the support of Latino voters here.

Las Vegas, home to Las Vegas, is one of the parts of the US hit hard financially by COVID.

The economy, taxes and the cost of living seem to be the most important issues for voters.

Mr. Trump’s campaign website says his vision for America’s economy is “lower taxes, bigger paychecks and more jobs for American workers.”

In her economic policy, Ms. Harris has promised tax cuts for small businesses, as well as an increase in the corporate tax rate and higher taxes for those earning $1 million or more.

Pennsylvania – 19 electoral votes

Pennsylvania made headlines in July after Mr. Trump survived an assassination attempt while holding a rally there.

Similar to Nevada, the economy is one of the top issues in the Keystone state; grocery prices are rising faster than elsewhere in the United States.

It is also the most important of the volatile states; Considering that he is worthy of receiving the most votes in the selection committee.

Wisconsin – 10 electoral votes

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Before he dropped out of the race, polls suggested he could pose a problem for Mr. Trump and Ms. Harris in Wisconsin.

Some have suggested this could be the state where third-party candidates make a big difference, as Democrats fought (unsuccessfully) to remove the Green Party’s Jill Stein from the ballot.

They argued that Ms. Stein did not comply with state election laws and also filed a complaint against independent candidate Cornel West.

The state has determined the winner of the last two elections, which Mr. Trump called “really important.”

“If we win Wisconsin, we win everything,” he previously said.

Ms. Harris celebrated her official candidacy onstage as the Democratic presidential candidate by marching in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The economy and abortion rights stand out as the most important issues for voters.