It is considered a swing state but latest polls show Michigan leaning towards President Barack Obama.
The significance about Michigan are two factors: the role the auto-industry plays in the election and it is the state where former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney first lived.
According to a Detroit Free Press and WXYZ-TV poll, conducted by EPIC-MRA of Lansing, Tuesday's town hall presidential debate might have helped Obama receive a boost in their poll.
According to their polling data, Obama is leading by six percentage points, with 52 percent to Romney's 46 percent.
"I think the debate had a role," said Bernie Porn, pollster for EPIC-MRA. "You look at people who watched the debate, they're voting for Obama more than the state as a whole is. Only among people who didn't watch the debate are they tied."
The margin of error of the EPIC-MRA poll is 3.5 percent.
According to Rasmussen Reports, in a poll released prior to the second presidential debate, Obama leads by seven percentage points, 52 percent to 45 percent for Romney.
The margin of error, however, is bigger than the Detroit Free Press and WXYZ-TV poll, with up to 4.5 percent. With the margin of error, Obama still leads.
Rasmussen reported the poll was conducted by phone.
Michigan has 16 Electoral College votes and according to Real Clear Politics (RCP), it is still a "toss up" state that could go for any candidate. RCP does offer a diagram with no toss up states which at the moment show Obama securing the 16 votes.
To win the presidential election, the first to win 270 Electoral College votes wins.
According to the New York Times, Super PAC "Restore Our Future" supporting Romney will spend $12 million in several swing states, including Michigan
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