US Election Day: Long lines as Trump campaign reports 'cautious optimism'

What appears to be the closest presidential race in US history enters its final stretch today, with polling stations already open across the Eastern seaboard. Long lines of voters have been reported outside polling stations in key battleground states, particularly in North Carolina, as Americans choose between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

A source within the Trump campaign expressed "cautious optimism" about victory prospects, but similar sentiment echoed from the Harris camp.

The Washington Post describes security arrangements at polling stations as "unprecedented," with some states taking extraordinary measures including snipers positioned on rooftops in some locations, panic buttons issued to election workers, drones monitoring polling stations and a heavy police presence nationwide

In addition to all of these measures, the National Guard was placed on standby in Nevada and Washington state.

The Arizona Secretary of State has also announced they will wear a bulletproof vest during the victory announcement.

Both candidates made their final appeals in crucial swing states last night. Trump held his 930th and final rally in Michigan, delivering an extended speech where he expressed confidence in victory and called for results to be known on election night. Meanwhile, Harris chose Pennsylvania - likely the decisive state - for her final campaign stop.

Early Voting Numbers

Approximately 78 million Americans have already cast their ballots through early voting, including Harris herself. Trump is expected to vote today in Florida, his home state.

Security officials express particular concern about the post-election period, especially in states like Arizona and Pennsylvania where vote counting may continue for several days. Officials worry that result uncertainty combined with potential social media misinformation could lead to widespread unrest.

Kikar Shabbat contributed to this article.