Voters heading to the polls in Walker County on Tuesday will see more than just candidate races on their primary election ballot.
In addition to voting for candidates, voters who choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot will also see a series of party questions often referred to as “straw poll” or opinion questions.
Election officials say the questions are included by the political parties during general primary elections and are designed to gauge voter opinion on various issues. The questions are non-binding, meaning no immediate laws or policy changes will result from the outcome.
Democratic ballots will feature two questions, while Republican ballots will include eight questions covering topics such as election integrity, public school policies, immigration enforcement, energy production, cellphone use in schools, bail reform and the death penalty.
Voters who request a non-partisan ballot will not see any party questions.
The Democratic ballot questions ask voters about state tax policy and whether candidates who have allegedly used public office for personal financial gain should hold statewide office.
Republican ballot questions include whether Georgia should adopt stricter election security measures, expand the death penalty for sexual crimes against children, require public access to school instructional materials, and punish law enforcement officials who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Election workers remind voters they are not required to answer the questions in order for their ballot to count.
Polls across Walker County will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.