Connecticut voters turned out to the polls in greater numbers this year despite the pandemic.

Secretary of State Denise Merrill says about 50% of Connecticut voters voted in-person as of noon today, with 75% of total voters including those who voted by absentee ballot.

Merrill says the number of registered voters this year is the largest the state has ever seen.

She says she cannot remember an Election Day that had 75% voter turnout by 12 p.m.

Bridgeport residents lined up at Central High School early Tuesday, and at Harbor Side Middle School in Milford, the line stretched around the building.

Some say they expected long lines, but others say they are surprised at how many people showed up to vote in-person.

In the Town of Fairfield, voters began lining up outside the polling place at Holland Hill School around 5:30 a.m.

Officials say around 42,000 Fairfield residents are currently registered to vote.

More than 15,000 absentee ballots have been sent out, and as of Monday, more than 13,000 were turned in.

Officials say there are some COVID-19 protocols at the polls for those who plan on in-person voting.

Plexiglass was installed at each poll in town, and voting booths were sanitized in between each use.

Poll workers wore wear masks, and face shields.

Voters must also wear masks and social distancing measures will be in place.

Voters can bring their own black or blue pen if they wish.

Like every year, there's also a curbside voting option for those who are unable to access the polls.

Police in town say they are on standby should things get overly heated at the polls or if there's any scare tactics or voter intimidation going on.

In addition to the typical police patrolling of the polls on Election Day, police are actively monitoring social media for any threats that may arise.