Canadians have their calendars marked for the federal election October 21, but there are a few other election-related dates worth noting.

Whether you need a reminder to apply to vote by mail, or want to note the next federal debate, here are the essential dates to look out for:

October 4

Voter information card

Those registered to vote should receive a voter information card in the mail by October 4, indicating where and when to vote, according to the Elections Canada website. If you are eligible to vote and have not received your voter information card, contact Elections Canada.

October 5-9

Campus voting and registration

There are a number of ways to vote in the upcoming federal election, including advanced voting, voting at any Elections Canada office or sending in a ballot by mail. Electors can also register and vote by special ballot on select campuses across the country starting October 5 until October 9. Operating hours vary. You do not have to be a student at the institution to register or vote there.

October 7

Federal leaders’ English debate

Federal party leaders are set to participate in an English-speaking debate in Gatineau, Que. from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Eastern time in front of a live audience. Those unable to attend can stream the debate on a number of platforms, including the Toronto Star.

October 10

Federal leaders’ French debate

Federal party leaders are set to participate in a French-speaking debate in Gatineau, Que. from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Eastern time in front of a live audience. Streaming of the debate is available on a number of platforms.

October 11-14

Advanced Polls

Advanced polling stations are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., between October 11 and 14. To find your advance polling station, check your voter information card or use the Voter Information Service.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

October 14

Final spending limits for parties and candidates available

Interested in the money of things? The expense limits for each party and candidates will be made available on the Elections Canada website.

October 15

Deadline for registering to vote, including Canadians living abroad, or those voting by mail

Electors have until 6 p.m. local time to register or update their address using Elections Canada's Online Voter Registration Service, or by visiting their local Elections Canada office.

If you are a Canadian living abroad or prefer voting by mail, this is also the deadline to apply to vote by mail. If you vote by mail, you must return your marked ballot to Elections Canada by 6 p.m., Eastern time, on election day.

October 16-21

If you miss the registration deadline, you can still vote

If you have not registered to vote before the October 15 deadline, you can still participate in the election by filling out a registration certificate online, printing it and bringing it to your polling station on election day or prior for faster service.