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- calendar_today October 19, 2026
Albertans Head to the Polls for Referendum Day
On Monday, Albertans participate in a significant referendum, where voters will have their say on ten questions shaping the province's future. According to Elections Alberta, 1.3 million people have already cast their votes through special ballots or at advance polls, marking high engagement ahead of referendum day.
Understanding the Referendum Questions
The referendum features ten separate questions. The first nine focus on subjects like immigration and constitutional issues. The tenth question asks whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada or begin the process for a second, binding referendum on separation. Voters can choose to answer any or all of the questions, giving them flexibility while voting.
Where and When to Vote
Polling stations across Alberta are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on referendum day. Unlike during advance voting, voters must attend their designated polling station, which can be found by entering an address on Elections Alberta’s website. Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old and a resident of Alberta.
Voters must bring valid identification: either government-issued photo ID with an address (such as a driver’s licence) or two pieces of ID, one of which displays the voter’s address. An attestation form from an authorized signatory is also accepted.
Managing Long Lines and Special Ballots
Anyone in line before the 8 p.m. closing time will be allowed to vote. Elections Alberta spokesperson Maia Hanrahan explains that polling locations will stay open until every eligible voter in line has cast their ballot.
More than 600,000 special ballots were requested. Elections Alberta advised voters to send these by mail before the October 16 deadline. If a mail-in ballot was not sent or received in time, individuals are still eligible to vote in person on referendum day. Voters can track the status of their special ballot online; if it is not marked as received, they have the option to vote at their polling place.
Ballot Process and Voter Options
Each referendum question is presented on a separate, color-coded ballot. After voting—by marking an X—voters must fold each ballot and place it in its corresponding box. There is no requirement to vote on every question; ballots not marked will still be counted for the questions that are answered. If a ballot is torn or filled incorrectly, a replacement can be requested at the polling station.
Guidelines on Apparel and Referendum Advertising
Voters may wear any clothing they like, including symbols such as Alberta flags or the Maple Leaf. However, Elections Alberta prohibits apparel that serves as referendum advertising, such as items displaying campaign slogans or explicit instructions on how to vote.
When to Expect Referendum Results
Ballots will be counted by hand, with counting required to be completed within 48 hours under provincial regulations. Counting of the separation question (Question 10) will occur first, followed by the remaining questions in order. Results may begin to appear on other questions before final tallies for Question 10 are complete.
Live coverage of results begins at 7 p.m. MT across multiple CBC platforms, including TV, CBC Gem, CBC News App, and CBC Radio One. Further analysis will be available the following morning on CBC programs and websites.
Contact and Further Information
The referendum process is managed by Elections Alberta. Voters seeking more details can access information and services through the Elections Alberta website. For live updates and community feedback on voting experiences, CBC Calgary and CBC Edmonton offer ongoing coverage and opportunities to join the public conversation.
Source: cbc.ca.
