Because of the unpredictability of swing states, they are crucial in determining the outcome of presidential elections. Since states can "swing" for either candidate, candidates will focus on winning over said states throughout the campaign period.

THE US presidential election will run across all 50 states on Thursday – but experts say it's likely that just seven will decide who is the next president in the United States

These are the critical swing states in the presidential election and their electoral votes. See a map as votes come in.