Early voting begins Oct. 19 across the Houston area, giving voters time to check registration, research candidates and pick a convenient polling site before Election Day on Nov. 3.

This story explains what to bring, where to vote, and how to get help if something goes wrong - from checking registration status and contacting county registrars to casting provisional ballots and following up on their outcomes.

It outlines Harris County's hours, preparations and support systems, explains voter ID rules and the Reasonable Impediment Declaration and supporting documents, and warns that small name differences don't always block voting.