Trump appeals to religion, Harris talks jobs as millions vote early

National polls continue to show a dead heat between the two presidential candidates

ATLANTA, Georgia/ANN ARBOR, Michigan - Republican Donald Trump on Oct 28 appealed to religious voters in the southern swing state of Georgia as his campaign distanced itself from racist remarks by allies that could alienate key voter groups.

Millions of Americans have already cast their vote before the Nov 5 election, which national polls including the latest one from Reuters/Ipsos, and surveys in swing states, show is a close race between Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris.

In Georgia, where in-person early voting ahead of election day is expected to total up to 70 percent of ballots, Trump courted religious voters during a National Faith Advisory Board event.

"I think this is a country that needs religion," Trump said. "They're trying to stymie you, this new administration, this new radical left group of people."

But he faces pressure over his rally in New York on Oct 27, where a comedian called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage", prompting a backlash from Latino celebrities and criticism from both Republican and Democratic politicians.

The Trump campaign has said the joke did not reflect its views.