Advance voting for B.C.'s general election kicked off early morning today.

Since 8 a.m. today until 8 p.m. next Saturday, B.C. residents can vote at one of the advance voting stations spread around the province. In order to cast their ballot, voters must prove their identity and residential address.

Accepted documents include single documents issued by B.C. or Canada, or any two documents that together show the voter's name and address.

According to Elections BC, advance voting has steadily increased since the 1996 general election, where five per cent of voters decided to vote before the official election day.

In the 2009 election, advance voting grew to 17 per cent. This year, Elections BC will release information about advance voting's daily turnout each afternoon after voting has taken place.

Carlos Tello is completing a practicum at The Tyee.