It used to be that in elections you had only one option for voting.  

That was to show up the day of the election, line up at a poll and mark your "X."  Elections Canada says in the October 21st federal election, you can choose the option that best suits your schedule.

You can still vote on election day, which is Monday, October 21st, but there are several other options to choose from.  You can vote at one of the advance polls, open from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (local time) on Friday, October 11th; Saturday, October 12th; Sunday, October 13th; or Monday, October 14th.

You have the option of voting throughout the election period at one of over 500 Elections Canada offices. To vote at an Elections Canada office, electors must apply before Tuesday, October 15th at 6:00 p.m. Application forms are available at Elections Canada offices or online.  Voters may also go to select campuses from Saturday, October 5th, to Wednesday, October 9th, using the special ballot process.  You can also mail in your vote.   Electors must apply to vote by mail before Tuesday, October 15th at 6:00 p.m.  Application forms to vote by mail are available online. They are also available at any Elections Canada office, or can be requested by calling 1-800-463-6868. Electors voting by mail should plan ahead. They must allow time for their voting kit to reach them and for their marked ballot to return to Elections Canada.

Returning officers may also set up voting kiosks in locations where electors may not be able to vote using traditional voting options. This includes: electors working in isolated areas, such as mining and oil field camps or lighthouses; electors in acute care hospitals; or electors who observe cultural or religious practices that restrict them from voting on specific dates. Eligible electors who live in long-term care facilities can vote by regular ballot at a mobile polling station in their residence. For more information on this option, please contact your Elections Canada office.

To vote, electors must show proof of identity and address. The list of accepted pieces of identification is online.

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