Travis County elections officials reported a few straight-ticket voters wanting to vote again after realizing they cast their ballots without voting on nonpartisan races and issues.

When voters choose a straight-ticket option, this choice selects any federal and statewide partisan races, Travis County clerk Dana DeBeauvior said. It does not select any race or issue that is not considered partisan, which include local school districts, Austin Community College, Austin City Council and the city of Austin’s mobility bond.

DeBeauvior said the county has seen fewer issues related to straight-ticket voting since local elections were included in November elections several years ago.

“People are getting used to the idea that the straight party vote only applies to the partisan races,” she said.

If voters choose the straight-ticket option, they must thoroughly look over the review page before casting their votes, she said. Voters may use the back or next options to return to races for which they have not voted. If a voter selects the help button, an elections worker will come over to assist the voter.

DeBeauvoir said today is a great day to vote early because rain is forecasted for later this week.

The county also opened a new North Austin early voting polling location today at the Greater Austin Merchants Cooperative Association, or GAMA, Center at 8801 Research Blvd., Austin, near Ohlen Road. The site is open through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and features ample parking.

“It’s intended to take some pressure off the Ben Hur Shriners and Randalls Research sites,” she said. “Those are very popular spots, and people love them.”

For more information about voting in Travis County, visit www.ivoteearly.com or call 512-854-4996.