Where we are, they gave us special "I Voted Early" stickers. Because of mobility issues, my wife votes curbside, and they had quite a few volunteers to help her with that. I went into the building where there was a line of only three or four people. We voted early in case they'd changed any of the rules on paperwork, but I've been in town since 1975, and my wife's been here since 2010, so there was no problem.
We prefer to vote just up the street, but wanted to hedge our bets to give us a second chance if it was needed. All the volunteers were upbeat and convivial, and we had a nice day. We got hot dogs and Cokes on the way there, and ice cream on the way home.
I think most places the poles are open until 7 or 7:30 p.m., and many places, if you are in line at closing time, they will still let you vote.
Where we voted early, you could actually register to vote and vote the same day.
I've been to local and run-off elections where I was the only person there other than the poll workers. The first time I voted was in Navy boot camp. My company commander (like a drill instructor) brought me my absentee ballot out front of the chow hall and let me fill it out off to the side for privacy.