Municipal voters across Campbell River and the Comox Valley have one final opportunity to cast an advance ballot today as the region enters a busy stretch of municipal and provincial election activity.

Advance polls are open until 8 p.m. at the Campbell River Sportsplex, Courtenay’s Florence Filberg Centre, the Comox Community Centre and the Cumberland Cultural Centre.

Comox Valley RD voters can also cast advance ballots at the Civic Room on Harmston Avenue in Courtenay.

Anyone who does not vote today will have another opportunity during general municipal voting this Saturday, October 17.

Attention shifts to the provincial campaign tonight as the leaders of BC’s three largest parties take part in the election’s only televised leaders’ debate.

NDP Leader David Eby, Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson and Green Leader Emily Lowan will participate in the broadcast from 6:15 until 8 p.m.

The debate will be carried by major provincial television and radio news networks.

Local provincial candidates will also meet with voters at two forums later this week.

A Courtenay–Comox candidate forum will be held Thursday, October 15, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at North Island College’s Stan Hagen Theatre.

North Island candidates will debate Friday, October 16, at the Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the debate beginning at 7.

Friday also marks the beginning of advance voting in the provincial election. Provincial advance polls will remain available through Wednesday, October 21.

Voters are reminded that the municipal and provincial elections are separate. Each election uses a different ballot, and voting locations may not be the same.