Swing states: Could Keith Lamont Scott's shooting in North Carolina prove key?
A change in demographics has turned the Tar Heel State increasingly Democratic - but Trump has strong support in rural areas.
Wednesday 5 October 2016 16:53, UK
How likely is North Carolina to swing the election?
It used to be solidly Republican and was known as a "flyover state", with candidates lavishing little attention on it in their travels across the key battlegrounds.
But in 2008, the population grew rapidly. It became more ethnically diverse and Barack Obama's victory ushered in a new political era for the state.
This time round, it's a key state to win for Donald Trump.
Hillary Clinton probably doesn't have to win it to be elected president, but the 15 electoral votes could be very useful.
How has North Carolina voted in the past?
In 2008, Obama clinched it by one point (the first Democrat to do so since 1976). But four years later, Mitt Romney narrowly swung the pendulum back for the Republicans.
What are the biggest issues affecting North Carolina right now?
The recent fatal shooting of Keith Lamont Scott by police in Charlotte has sparked days of protests and reignited a fierce debate over race and policing.
Trump and Clinton's response to a growing sense of division in American, could prove pivotal.
An attempt to impose new voting restrictions and overruling protections for gay and transgender people have also dominated debate in this state.
What is the demographic in North Carolina and why does it matter for the candidates?
There has been a big shift in the state's population.
It's now surpassed 10 million, a 25% rise from 2000. The African-American proportion of the population is 21% and 8% are Latino.
Political analysts say those shifts should favour the Democrats.
Urban areas have got behind Clinton. Rural areas appear to be backing Trump. But the suburbs will be key battle territory.
Which way is the state currently leaning?
It's tight, but Trump holds a slight lead among likely voters.
A recent Real Clear Politics average of six polls put Trump at 44.5% and Clinton at 43.3%.
Most political analysts are now rating North Carolina as a toss-up.
It's a big turnaround for Trump - in August most major polls put Clinton ahead.
What would Hillary have to do to swing North Carolina?
North Carolina's electorate is getting younger and more diverse.
Clinton's success in the state may hinge on her ability to get the African-Americans, Latinos, women, young people, urbanites and liberals who voted for Obama, to turn out in big numbers for her.
What would Trump have to do to swing North Carolina?
He needs to win over women voters.
They accounted for 56% of the state's voters in 2012, the highest percentage in any state that had exit polling.
In 2012, a high unemployment rate helped Romney win the state back from Obama - Trump would do well do focus on jobs and the economy.
Trump has struggled to appeal to African-American voters. His rhetoric in response to concerns about racism could play big here.