Election 2020 updates: Biden warns of 'dark winter,' pushes masks in pandemic plan

Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" is blaring, an African drum corps is jamming and Christian demonstrators are chanting "Jesus Saves."

Beyond the three layers of security fencing separating Trump inside the White House is a peaceful and festive -- if, at times, bizarre -- melting pot of America. 

Several thousands -- diverse in age, gender, race and faith -- have gathered outside and crowds have been building at Black Lives Matter Plaza -- a space that has symbolized the racial justice movement pulsing through the presidential campaign. Many told ABC News they felt compelled to come out for what they believe will be a historic moment. 

There is an air of anticipation -- and a tinge of anxiety. The history of the protests and violence that have marked this space looms large. Buildings all around are boarded up. Many in attendance have said they plan to leave at dark. 

Police are keeping a low profile on the sidelines for now. Organizers are vowing to stay peaceful and to occupy the space, making their voices heard, until the election results are credibly certified.

-ABC News' Senior Washington Reporter Devin Dwyer, Bobby Gehlen, Jackie Yoo and Janet Weinstein

The polls are closing in Indiana and Kentucky.

At what was very likely his final campaign stop of the 2020 race, former Vice President Joe Biden spoke with reporters, and gave his outlook on the race in the final hours. 

“Toward the end, I never feel confident. I feel hopeful,” Biden said, addressing reporters outside the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Aquatic Center in Wilmington, Delaware.

Asked what he plans to do if President Trump declares victory tonight, Biden again expressed confidence that the voters will have the final say.

“You heard me use the line today several times. Presidents can't determine what votes counted and not counted. And, you know, voters determine who's president,” he said. “No matter what he does, no matter what he says the votes are going to be counted.” 

Finally, Biden addressed if people can expect to hear him give a speech tonight. 

"There's just so much in play right now and there’s such an overwhelming vote out there," he said. "We'll see. And if there's something to talk about tonight, I'll talk about it. If not, I'll wait till the votes are counted the next day.” 

-ABC News’ John Verhovek

From Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills to Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, police and store owners said they're preparing for Election Day unrest despite authorities coast to coast saying they've received no credible threats.

Some cities were bracing for the type of violence and looting that occurred earlier this year during protests that followed police-involved killings of Black Americans.

Stores along Rodeo Drive were seen with boarded up windows in the waning hours of the presidential election, with the mayor saying the street would be closed to vehicular traffic as an extra precaution.

In New York City, the sound of buzzsaws and hammers drowned out honking cars and sirens as work crews with truckloads of plywood swooped in. Along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, near Trump Tower, workers spent Monday night boarding up the windows of some of the nation's most expensive stores, including Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avene and nearly every shop in Rockefeller Center.

Similar scenes were found in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Denver, Philadelphia and St. Paul, Minnesota.

-ABC News’ Bill Hutchinson