Early voting is set to begin in Houston on Oct. 19. Here's what voters need to know before heading to the polls.

What you need to know: Early voting will run during the following dates and times:

• Oct. 19-24, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Oct. 25, noon to 7 p.m.

• Oct. 26-30, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Election Day will follow on Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the Harris County Clerk's Office.

On the ballot: Residents will have the chance to vote on several state and congressional races depending on their region, as well as county elections and a city of Houston proposition.

There will also be several state justices, state board of education and Harris County Department of Education positions to vote on. Other than the city proposition, Houston does not have any local races during the Nov. 3 election.

Before you go: Election Day will take place on Nov. 3 following the early voting period.

Creative Blinds, a Houston-area staple for window treatments and coverings, celebrated its 50th anniversary Oct. 6 with a commemorative gathering, officials confirmed.

Looking back: The design business was founded in 1976 by owner Steve Palmer and his family, which includes his wife, Donna Palmer; his daughter and second-generation owner, Erika Palmer Mandel; and his son, Dustin Palmer.

Dig deeper: Creative Blinds is an authorized Hunter Douglas Service Center with three design showrooms. Clients can visit these showrooms to view various window options, including drapery, shutters, blinds, custom-built shades and verticals, according to its website.

Each of its options possesses distinctive features for a range of home needs. Whether it's shutters that balance light control or fabric drapery that helps homeowners become more energy efficient, Creative Blinds specialists act as guides during the in-home and showroom design consultation process, per its website.

One more thing: Creative Blinds also offers professional measuring services prior to installation, as well as warranty repairs and motorization-related assistance.

• 2715 Bissonnet St., Ste. 130, Houston

• 4130 FM 1488, Ste. 112, Conroe

Marcus Stuckett was appointed executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District in June. Stuckett, a Hurricane Harvey survivor, previously worked for the district for seven years, including serving as engineering division director.

What's happening: His appointment comes as the district faces pressure to meet spending deadlines for 28 federally funded disaster recovery and flood mitigation projects. The deadlines and funding details include:

• A deadline of February 2027 for 11 disaster recovery projects, which are currently under construction.

• A deadline of March 2028 for the 17 flood mitigation projects.

If the money is not spent on time, the federal agency will reclaim it. Stuckett said the district intends to complete every project regardless of the funding source. His priorities include delivering the projects, increasing responsiveness to resident requests and being transparent about progress and challenges.

A University of Houston poll of likely general election voters found Democratic candidates leading in three Harris County races.

The big picture: The online survey of 2,750 participants was conducted Oct. 3-8 by the Hobby School of Public Affairs. Researchers noted that while voters are concerned about crime and property taxes, this has not translated into a desire to reverse the county's Democratic tilt.

Zooming in: The poll revealed the following matchups for county seats:

• Democrat Letitia Plummer leads Republican Orlando Sanchez 47% to 40% in the county judge race, with 13% undecided.

• Democratic Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia leads Richard Vega by 12 percentage points, with 8% undecided.

• Democratic Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones leads Steve Radack by 8 percentage points, with 10% undecided.

Another detail: The survey found 72% of voters disapprove of a recent 7.6% property tax rate increase. Additionally, 56% of likely voters oppose using Flock Safety cameras for law enforcement.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out six trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Oct. 9-16.

• Sugar Land launches Feral Hog Mitigation Pilot Program

• Good Bull Capital asks Friendswood to create PID for 135-lot Falling Leaf Ranch on previously foreclosed property

• Houston Methodist holds groundbreaking ceremony for new emergency care center

• West U awards nearly $630K construction contract for recreation center renovations

• Commission of politicians, community members releases report on state takeover of HISD

• Harbor Health to acquire 27 Village Medical clinics