There are advantages to living in a university town. Just one, being able to vote in the federal election before even the advance polls open.
If you will be away this Thanksgiving Weekend, and on Election Day, there is another option. There is a poll open right now at Dillon Hall at the University of Windsor.
"There's actually a poll for students, but it's not only for students," said Regional Media Advisor with Elections Canada Rejean Grenier. "Any elector can go there and vote today or tomorrow, and it's open from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m."
There is a poll on the main campus at St. Clair College too. It is in the student residence, and at the main conference centre.
The advance polls are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
If you plan to vote during the advance polls, your voter information card will tell you where you need to go. The last of the cards and 27-million Elector Guides were mailed out earlier this week.
If you have not received one, "there could be numerous reasons," said Grenier. "They moved and the information didn't get to Elections Canada for whatever reason, or it could be that they're not registered."
Voters can visit a returning office to register, visit Elections Canada online, or register the day of the advance poll or Election Day.
"But, it's not recommended because it usually takes more time," said Grenier.
The advance poll may not be in the same location as your poll on Election Day, so voters are advised to read the voter information card closely.
Instead of three advance polling days, this election there are four.
"The reason that was done is because there was a surge in advance poll voting in the last election, and so, Elections Canada wants to make it easier for people to vote," explained Grenier. "It also happens to fall on Thanksgiving, so we want to give people the chance to vote if they're going out of town."
When you go to the poll, remember to take both your voter information card and identification with you.
"ID can be one of two things," said Grenier. "One, it can be a government-issued photo ID -- that would be something like a drivers' license. If you have that, that's all you need. If you don't have that, then you need two pieces of ID. One that has your name, and one that has your name and address. For example, you could have a hydro bill."
Election Day is October 21.
