Voters were lined up throughout the area before the polls opened and have been consistent throughout the morning.

In Ross Township, Monroe County, people reported being in line for two hours to cast their vote for president, congressmen and state representatives. People parked along the road because parking spaces were at a premium at the municipal building.

Many are first-timers like Jason and Stacie Lane and Karen and Randy Dugey of Saylorsburg. Randy Dugey said, “We need to take back the country, so we are voting Trump all the way.”

Elsewhere in Monroe County, lines wound up from the back to the front of the Polk Fire Company, but voters reported it was moving quickly.

In Chestnuthill Township, people reported waiting more than two hours in line.

Lines were the same throughout the region.

In Carbon County, Lynn Shupp reported waiting in “the longest line I’ve ever stood in at Aquashicola (fire company), an hour wait. The people helping at the polls did a great job, some in line were first-time voters, and everyone was there to make sure their voice was heard.”

Brian Rockwell said he waited in line for about an hour at Towamensing Trails. He was there when the polls first opened.

Lines were reported at Towamensing Township and throughout the region.

A small line would form then wind down in front of Trinity UCC in Tamaqua.

Several of the voters were voting for the first time despite being eligible for past elections.

Others were voting for the first time since the last presidential election. Nearly every one said they supported re-electing President Trump.

Micah Kates of Tamaqua said this was the first election he cared enough to vote in, because of the importance of keeping Trump in office.

“Trump gets something done, whether it’s good or bad, he’s still getting something done, compared to everyone else who’s doing nothing,” Kates said.

Susan Fegley brought her parents to the polls, and planned to take her mother-in-law this afternoon. They are all in their 80s. She said it was important to get everyone to the polls to keep Trump in office. She said she is worried for the country.

“I want Trump in. I want my children to be free, and my grandchildren,” she said.

Among the voters Tuesday morning there was not a lot of trust for mail-in ballots.

“I would rather do it in person, I feel it’s a lot safer. I’ve seen so many places they were missing,” said Courtney Kantor.

At Hometown Fire Company in Rush Township there were two more precincts than usual. The township didn’t want to host the election in its municipal building during the coronavirus. As of 11 a.m. lines occasionally formed for one of the precincts, but dispersed quickly.

There was a mix of Republican and Democratic voters.

Some Biden supporters said there was a need for unity because the Trump Administration has further divided the country.

“The country needs to get united. It’s more divisive than ever. It’s crazy. We need a change,” said Paul Scarloss.

But voters on both sides have expressed distrust in the opposition. Some said they feared more division ahead regardless of the outcome.

“I think it’s a vicious cycle of us and them,” said Cathy Riotto.

Not every poll has a line. Some people in Lehighton and Mahoning reported moving through quickly.

Schuylkill County

Earlier today 200 people were in line at the South Manheim Township building waiting to vote.

Former Schuylkill County Controller Christy Joy was among those standing in line, which he called the “J line for Joy.”

Joy, who is also a poll watcher, said the line was long, growing longer by the day.

“ I think it’s important to make sure that we vote for our leaders and our leaders know we care,” he said.

He described the atmosphere as social.

“People are talking with each other. It is a social affair,” he said, although some didn’t like the long lines.

Joy said his wife stood in line this morning for 1 hour and 10 minutes before casting her vote for history.

Earlier in the day, a disabled veteran came to the polling site around 10:30 a.m. and was let in, Joy said.

“The judge of elections threw open the door and he marched right in,” he said.

As darkness falls, additional steps are being taken to provide a safe environment for voters. Emergency lights are being placed to provide a well lit area as voters exercise their right, Joy said.

Joy said 681 people voted as of 3:20 p.m.

Jillian Antosky,25, Lake Wynonah, stood in line for 90 minutes before voting. It was only the second time she ever voted, the first being the 2016 presidential election.

“I pulled in and and I saw hundreds of cars, and I knew I’d be in line for a long time,” she said.

She came out “to make a change” in the country. Antosky said she will watch the election returns on TV.

Her boyfriend, Matt Greene, 26, had arrived about 5:45 p.m. and was at the end of the line, which Joy estimated was 260 people long, having being broken up into two.

Doug Litwhiler, Ringtown, voted at 8 a.m. at the Ringtown Senior Citizens Center. He didn’t have to wait in line and was the 51st voter.

“I was very excited because this is important for the next four years. It is very important for everybody to vote today,” he said.

Amy Marchiano contributed to this article.