GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Strewn across the coastal plains and backroads of North Carolina lie institutions that could be pivotal in the battleground state in Tuesday's elections — 10 historically Black colleges and universities steeped in a history of activism.

The North Carolina Court of Appeals on Tuesday unanimously rejected a Republican bid to have election officials segregate overseas ballots cast by people who have never resided in the state for additional checks of the voters’ eligibility.

North Carolina’s top donors include a former apparel company executive and co-founders of a business software analytics company.

Polls in North Carolina have tightened considerably since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July, making the state a frequent destination for both campaigns.

The path to the White House cuts straight through North Carolina — one of several all-important swing states. The state, with its 16 electoral votes, will likely be instrumental in delivering the presidency to Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump.

Harris and Trump will campaign in North Carolina on Wednesday as the presidential candidates seek to attract voters in the key battleground state. Both Trump and Harris could reach 270 Electoral College votes in November's election by winning the three swing states of North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Georgia, barring any shock results elsewhere.

Hundreds of thousands of people moved to North Carolina since 2020, but their impact on the presidential race is still unclear.

Tuesday, Oct. 29, is the last day North Carolina voters can request an absentee ballot ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

Would it change the voting age? Would it affect naturalized citizens? Here are some answers about the ballot measure in NC, and the misinformation circulating about it.

The latest news and live updates on the 2024 election. Follow the Trump-Vance and Harris-Walz campaigns ahead of the presidential election next week.