Indigenous Communities Face Ballot Shortages in Alberta Referendum
Elections Alberta managed ballot shortages and extended polling hours after unexpectedly high voter turnout in several Indigenous communities during a provincial referendum.
Unexpectedly high voter turnout during Monday's Alberta referendum caused ballot shortages and voting delays across several Indigenous communities. The Louis Bull Tribe, Samson Cree Nation, and Siksika First Nation all reported running out of ballots, with the Samson Cree Nation requiring two separate replenishments to accommodate voters.
Elections Alberta confirmed that 106 polling stations province-wide remained open late to resolve these delays, with the final station closing at 10:41 p.m. MT. In Siksika, voting was extended by more than 90 minutes. Kevin Duncan of Elections Alberta stated the agency relied on historical data for ballot distribution but praised the staff's reaction to the surge.
Indigenous leaders criticized the agency's lack of preparation. Louis Bull Tribe Chief Desmond Bull noted that while the shortage showed a strong desire for community members to voice opinions on treaty impacts, officials should have been better prepared. Siksika First Nation Chief Samuel Crowfoot requested a formal explanation regarding resource allocation, citing existing barriers to civic functions in rural communities.
In contrast to the surge in Indigenous areas, voting remained slow in Wetaskiwin and Millet, where no line-ups were reported at the Wetaskiwin Co-op Rec Place, the Wetaskiwin Ag. Society, or the Millet Community Hall during the morning hours.
