Ben Hur Shrine in North Austin, one of the county’s historically busiest voting sites, had a line during the lunch hour. Some voters said the U.S. Senate race helped prompt them to vote on opening day.

“I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time,” said Elena Gonzalez, who said she wanted to help bring about change. She expected a wait but said the weather made it easier to stand in line.

Voter Mark Jackowski said the turnout was encouraging. George David, who said he makes a point of voting in every election, said, “Our voice really matters.”

At the South Austin Recreation Center, the Rev. Erin Walter joined other clergy members urging Texans to become “Day One voters.” Walter, executive director of the Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry, said the effort is part of a campaign with interfaith organization Texas Impact.

Walter encouraged voters not to wait until later in the early-voting period, when illness, work, family obligations or transportation problems could interfere. Voting early can also leave time to resolve registration issues, she said. Walter recalled a neighbor who discovered her registration was missing while trying to vote early in a previous election and had time to address the problem.

Early voting runs through Friday, Oct. 30, including the weekend. In Travis County, polling places are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters may cast an early ballot at any polling place in the county where they are registered. Voters in other counties should check with their local election officials for locations and hours.