[See the results for the House of Representatives, the Senate and governors’ races.]

Well before Election Day, voters in Texas and North Carolina had already started reporting facing harassment.

The federal government prohibits such acts of intimidation, but what that entails isn’t always clear. In some cases, it can mean threats of violence. In others, it can be attempts at coercion. This kind of harassment may be uncommon, but voting rights advocates say voters should be vigilant.

“I would say to people, ‘Use your gut,’” said Virginia Kase, the chief executive of the nonpartisan League of Women Voters, which encourages democratic participation. “If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.”

[Read our tips on how to avoid being turned away at the polls]

Here’s a brief guide to voter intimidation and what to do about it.