Photo: Nicholas Johansen

People were chomping at the bit to cast their early ballot in Kelowna, Friday afternoon.

Dozens of people lined up outside the Church of God at the corner of Gordon Drive and Casorso Road when the advanced poll opened at noon. By 1 p.m., the lineup had grown to about a 30-minute wait.

People were out voting early for different reasons. Kris Johnstone and his family are planning on being away on Oct. 19, and wanted to make sure their voice is heard.

For some, it was simply a matter of convenience.

“I was around running errands and just decided to come,” said J.P. Gilbert.

“We just live a block from here, so it just seemed easier to get it over with,” said Mike Berger.

For others, it was just force of habit to come in early.

“I always do,” said Elfriede Korneli. “I want to get it over and done with.”

One message rang loud and clear.

"It’s your duty as Canadians. I think we should (vote), even the young people,” Gilbert said, making note of the mostly grey hair in the lineup.

“It’s our chance to shape the country – you’re obliged, you should do it,” Berger agreed.

No one made a stronger case for voting than Kenneth Adey. At 90 years old, he has bad knees that give him trouble when walking. But, despite being what he calls, “incapacitated,” he said he never misses an election.

“I think it’s part of our democratic rights, and that’s why I fought in the last world war.”