Richardson residents will have the opportunity Nov. 5 to vote on state constitutional amendments. Some voters are also eligible to vote for candidates running for the Richardson ISD board of trustees. There are several changes associated with this election that stray from the traditional process. Here is what voters should know before heading to the polls.

1. Dallas County residents now have more options for where to vote

Dallas County has opted into the countywide vote centers program for the foreseeable future, according to the Dallas County Votes website. The system allows voters to cast ballots at any polling location in the county during early voting and on election day. In other words, voters are no longer required to vote within their assigned precinct. The goal is to improve access and increase turnout on election day. All current election day and early voting sites will remain open to ease the transition, according to Dallas County Votes. Dallas County has yet to post its polling locations. Collin County has used countywide vote centers for some time. Those residents can vote at the following Richardson locations during early voting and on Election Day. Early voting:

1. Methodist Richardson Medical Center, 2831 E. President George Bush Freeway

Election Day, Nov. 5: 1. Aldridge Elementary School, 720 Pleasant Valley Lane 2. Methodist Richardson Medical Center, 2831 E. President George Bush Freeway 3. Miller Elementary School, 5651 Coventry Drive 4. Woodcreek Church, 3400 E. Renner Road

2. Voting equipment has changed

New voting equipment is rolling out in Dallas and Collin counties, according to the League of Women Voters Richardson. The machines allow voters to cast ballots electronically using a touch screen before receiving a paper copy of their votes. The receipt is then inserted into a separate ballot machine. Those who would like to see the new equipment in action can attend an equipment demonstration Oct. 15 from noon-2 p.m. at Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla Street, Dallas. More information can be found through Dallas County Votes.

3. Only some Richardson ISD residents are eligible to vote for trustees Nov. 5

This election marks the first time in RISD history that trustees will be elected by voters in specific geographic areas rather than by the district as a whole. The district moved to a majority single-member district electoral system following the settlement of a lawsuit earlier this year.  Candidates for Single-Member Districts 2, 4 and 5 will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. Only voters living within those areas will be eligible to vote for those candidates. For more information on the candidates, click here.