This is the fourth federal election campaign that I've been involved in covering and there is one similarity: I'll be voting in an advance poll again.

On election night, I'm always in another city, covering an exciting moment in the country's history. It's one of the best parts of my job but it kind of takes the joy out of waiting until election day to make one's own personal choice behind the cardboard screen. Back in 2004, I actually missed voting completely. I thought the advance poll was open til 9 p.m., but when I called to check, I found that it was closing in 10 minutes and I wasn't going to make it.

It was frustrating to be in a Montreal banquet hall on election night, watching the results come in and yet knowing that I missed out.

Not this year. I just double-checked the Elections Canada website. I have Friday, Saturday and next Monday to make it down the street to St. George Catholic Church between noon and 8 p.m.

If that doesn't work out, I could even apply to vote by mail — October 7 is the cut off day to apply — or just pop in to my riding's returning office to vote there.

So many options to choose from.

There's something about voting in a group that gives me a sense of community, so you'll find me walking down to St. George's on Saturday afternoon to make my mark.

— Chris Rands