A group of supporters led by example in Schuylkill County on Tuesday afternoon.

It didn’t matter who they voted for. There was no arguing or screaming.

Just mutual respect.

At the intersection of Greenwood and East Broad Street, a handful of Tamaqua residents showed support for both major parties by proudly waving political signs and American flags high in the crisp November air.

They peacefully coexisted for hours while honks and horns by motorists passing through were heard throughout afternoon.

Calvin Miller of Tamaqua held a long pole with American and President Donald Trump flags attached to it. He voted at the South Ward in the morning. “About 10:30 a.m. there was no wait,” Miller said. “I had maybe three or four people ahead of me. We’ve been out here since about 11 a.m.”

Next to Miller was Joseph Marioni of Tamaqua, who displayed an almost identical pole as Miller - but with a Joe Biden flag.

Marioni had a mail-in ballot and hand-delivered it.

“We haven’t seen this in the last 12 years,” Marioni said. “The problem is, when the government is efficient and runs well, people get apathetic, so they don’t come out and vote. It’s only when the government is dysfunctional, they realize we should speak up. That’s what’s happening. In terms of democracy, this is great.

“He’s (Miller) a good guy here. I showed up and he said more power to you, we’re all in this together and that’s the way it should be; opposed to the ones that accused me of being a communist.”

Jacob Gursky of Tamaqua, was also on the sidewalk with signs. One read “Say no to hate.”

“Honestly, it’s been an amazing experience,” Gursky said. “Most of my family was like maybe you shouldn’t go. I got out here and my neighbor was in the bar (across the street). He came out with a menu, and even though he didn’t agree with me, he said buy anything you want on the menu. He came out with some pierogies.

“Sometimes people stop, we’ve had some conversations, but they’ve been positive. I feel more uplifted than I have the entire election season.”

Gursky’s neighbor is Tony Dougal of Tamaqua, who said he didn’t have to wait long to vote at the Tamaqua borough building earlier in the day.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Dougal said. “You’re allowed to have your own opinion. That’s what America is all about. He was the first one here. He’s my next-door neighbor. I support his right to the way he feels.”

Despite a difference in political views, Dougal offered his neighbor some free food.

“I went out and asked if he wants anything to eat. “We’re actually having a ‘free lunch on Trump today’ if you come in, there’s a small meal free, if you support Trump. I saw him out here and I thought, why not?”

Ernest Heckman of Tamaqua made a spur-of-the-moment decision to join the rest of the group.

“I’ve only been out here about 15-20 minutes,” Heckman said. “I saw these guys and thought they would need some support. I was down shopping at Boyer’s. They had Biden signs, so I parked the car and came over. There’s been a lot of honks and positivity. It’s very peaceful; there are Trump supporters right over there.”

Participation was high at the Tamaqua borough building. As of roughly 1:30 p.m., there were 342 voters accounted for.

“I voted for Trump because he’s a real man,” said Wanda Schmidt, Owl Creek, after voting at the borough building. “He gets up there and he says what he thinks and does what he does. I feel like I know where I stand with him.”

Tamaqua citizens proved that it’s possible to disagree and still be family, friends or neighbors.

And if it’s not possible, that’s on you.

“Four years ago, there were no signs of opposition,” said Marioni.

“Now, it’s a much better functioning democracy. From my point of view, as sad a state of affairs that it had to come of this, for democracy, the worst thing is apathy. You have to be vigilant. Democracy requires vigilance and participation. … We have come a long way. My point is, not to let this regress.”