Elections Alberta Distributes Mail-in Ballots for October Referendum

Elections Alberta began distributing special mail-in ballots on September 1 for a 10-question referendum scheduled for October 19. The voting process follows a surge in interest, with approximately 225,000 people applying for mail-in ballots as of August 31, compared to 59,589 requests during the 2023 provincial general election.

Initiated by the government of Premier Danielle Smith, the referendum asks voters whether Alberta should remain in Canada or hold a binding vote on separation. The ballot also includes five questions regarding provincial control over immigration and four questions concerning constitutional reform.

Voters have until October 9 to apply for a mail-in ballot, which must be received by October 16. For those not using mail-in options, advance voting will run from October 13 to October 17, with in-person voting available on the referendum day.