Voting in a small Arkansas town

Several people told me they had driven by when polls first opened and the line was already long. With a population of just over 5000 how long could this last? A few people bemoaned that their last names placed them in the longer of the two lines, but for the most part expressions were friendly, hopeful, and verbal exchanges respectful.
This was history in the making. We were there to write it.

Voting took place in a church. Even so the parking lot was full to capacity, the streets and side streets were lined with parked cars, and nearby businesses were essentially shut down.  No way I am getting an oil change or a haircut if I can't get into a parking lot. People came with books to read in line. Most kept them closed. The aura of excitement, and determination was contagious.

Some people were probably voting for the first time in this historic election. Some I knew might be voting for their last. They stood side by side and at moments seemed to regard each other. I wondered what they were thinking standing there, and was relieved to decide it wasn't a silent dialogue about fashion. Young and old alike seemed to sense that we are in this together.