Somebody started a rumor that voters filling out the paper ballots in Buncombe County could fill in the straight party ellipse of their choice, and then deselect particular candidates by filling in the appropriate ellipses below. I have heard from two other people, including a higher-up from the Board of Elections, that doing this will invalidate the ballot. Not privy to the ballot scoring code, I do not know who is correct, but at least you are smart enough not to try anything that might invalidate your ballot. The unspecified higher-up also assured me hurricane touchdown areas will be ready for voting by or before election day.