The suburbs of Atlanta could tell us a lot about where the US election is going

In the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, there's a hugely tight race afoot that could tell us a lot about where this election goes.

As I walk through the leafy streets of Cobb County, I see the signs of change everywhere.

This suburb is home to an exodus from Atlanta - one that's brought more diversity, more affluence and more nuance.

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Four years ago, it delivered a rare win for Joe Biden in a southern state that hadn't backed a Democrat for president in nearly 30 years.

Georgia turned out to be the biggest swing for the party in 2020. Now, Kamala Harris wants to hold on to that momentum, but it won't be easy.

Some cast suburbia as staid, sleepy and slow.

But at a Halloween festival in West Cobb, things feel fresh and politically unpredictable.

There's talk of Ms Harris struggling to get black male voters on her side and Donald Trump making unexpected gains.

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Errell, dressed as a Ghostbuster, tells me: "I think there's some misogyny involved. But what are you going to do? You know, women can lead. Women have proven to be strong leaders."

Minutes later, I meet Elvis, another black man who feels Democrats have taken their vote for granted. He's backing Mr Trump.

He says: "Obama a few weeks ago came out and said, black men, get in line. You would not tolerate that from anybody on the right. So why is it okay when Democrats do? It's double standards."

Concerns over reproductive rights and the economy

Democrats believe concern about reproductive rights will deliver the surge in female voters they need to win in this state.

But Karen, like other Republicans I meet, says it's the economy that matters the most and she's willing to make a compromise with Mr Trump.

She says: "He is not husband material nor minister material and he's kind of creepy. But he's smart and we're sinking. So something's got to give because a lot of people are hopeless."

The median household income might be up and unemployment down, but lots of people I meet complain about inflation and the price of their groceries.

One woman tells me the "pro-choice" issue will have a say in the vote, but the economy will have an even bigger one.

It's impossible to know right now.

Women outpacing men in early voting

What we do know for sure is that women are outpacing men in early voting by about 10 percentage points in Georgia. Democrats are encouraged by that.

Maura Keller, who's running against a Trump ally in Fayetville, says she's heard Republican women are shifting allegiances because of the restrictions on abortion care.

"I have talked to Republican women that have told me this is extremely important to them," she tells me.

The question is how important? Will it be a priority?

Gender is a defining issue of the election

This year, gender has certainly emerged as a defining issue of the election. And women could choose to punish Mr Trump - they're the largest voting group and tend to vote in big numbers.

So far, Mr Trump seems to be leading with men, Ms Harris with women.

But the key to success in the suburbs for both of them will be chipping away at the margins.

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This election, Mr Trump has encouraged early voting in Georgia. Ms Harris has also made a lot of visits to the state.

They know what happens here is a telling test of their broader strategy.

Georgia matters. Currently, it looks tight. But we know the suburbs could deliver a surprise too.

(c) Sky News 2024: The suburbs of Atlanta could tell us a lot about where the US election is going