MYFOXNY.COM/AP -
Election Day turnout has been heavy in several storm-ravaged areas in New Jersey, with many voters expressing relief and even elation at being able to vote at all, considering the devastation.
Lines were long in Point Pleasant, N.J., where residents from the Jersey Shore communities of Point Pleasant Beach and Mantoloking had to cast their ballots because of damage in their hometowns.
Many there still have no power eight days after Superstorm Sandy.
Annette DeBona of Point Pleasant Beach says it was the happiest vote she ever cast in her life. She chose Mitt Romney, saying he can lift America out of a spiritual and mental depression.
Michael Sirchio, an insurance adjuster from Point Pleasant Beach whose own home was damaged, voted for Obama, saying he inherited a financial crisis and two wars, and did a good job ending both.
What remains to be seen is whether democracy and destruction can coexist in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
At stake are New Jersey's 14 electoral votes in the presidential race.
Voters statewide will elect a U.S. senator and consider two public questions.
Officials say fewer than 100 polling places in the state are without power compared with 800 sites a few days ago.
Some polling places have been moved because of devastation from the storm.
Voters unable to get to the polls because they were displaced by the storm or are working on recovery efforts can vote by fax, email or provisional ballot from any polling place in the state.
Polls close at 8 p.m.
Gov. Chris Christie voted soon after he got electricity that went out during Superstorm Sandy back at his home.
Speaking to reporters after marking his ballot, Christie said his home is one of the five worst for damage in Mendham. He says he lost at least 20 trees.
The governor says he's amazed at how resilient people are and thinks there's tremendous interest in the election.
The state has contingency plans so voters displaced by the storm can cast their ballots.
Christie also voiced concerns about an approaching nor'easter. That storm has led to a mandatory evacuation order for low-lying waterfront homes in Brick Township.
The storm threatens to bring snow to parts of New Jersey, where 582,024 homes and businesses still don't have electricity.
