Travis County encourages voters to cast ballots early

"It's our newest one, and it's a terrific location. It's got good parking, good access and nobody knows about it," she said. "Lamar is sort of notorious for [drivers] being stuck in traffic. If you're anywhere near Barton Springs, which is just one traffic light down, this is the place where—if you're headed to work, or from work; morning, middle of the afternoon—this is the place to pull in if you're stuck in traffic."

The county clerk's office is urging voters stuck in traffic to take a break and vote.

"Get out of the car and vote. Beat the traffic—use the time to vote," she said.

Four other voting locations offer easy access from major thoroughfares, she said, including the Randalls grocery store at South I-35 and Stassney Lane, the Fiesta grocery store on the east side of I-35 at 38 1/2 Street, the H-E-B on the west side of I-35 at 38 1/2 Street and the Highland Mall "megasite" at I-35 and Hwy. 290.

"Highland Mall, that thing is a beauty. [There are] at least 40 voting booths there and lots of staff to help people. It can handle a lot of people and is handling a lot of people. It's probably our No. 1 [location]," she said.

Despite the strong turnout so far, DeBeauvoir said the county is also anticipating a high number of voters on Election Day.

"We are headed to a turnout that's going to be just under the 2008 turnout. It feels kind of quiet right now, but we're ratcheting up every day. It is heading towards being a really big turnout," she said.

DeBeauvoir offered several tips for a smooth voting process, including that voters might want to bring written notes and that there are no cell phones allowed. All cell phones must be put away and turned off, she said. She also said the length of the ballot might put off some voters.

"It's not 'War and Peace.' This ballot is not that long, so don't be concerned. It's going to take you about 1 minute longer than it took you for the previous long ballot," she said. "Best advice from the county clerk's office—vote early. Please take advantage of early voting, because you don't want to have to wait in a line on Election Day."

Complete details are available on the county clerk's website, www.traviscountyclerk.org, under the "Elections" tab. DeBeauvoir also encouraged voters to call 238-VOTE with any questions.