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By Erika Rolling
Provincial Politics

One month until the Alberta referendum

Sep 18, 2026 | 12:29 PM

The province is gearing up for the 10-question referendum next month.

As of Thursday Sept. 17, nearly 520,000 special ballot applications have been requested by Albertans. Of the 330,000 mailed out, over 24,000 special ballot packages have already been returned and approved.

An investigation into a production issue that resulted in missing ballots revealed that 313 packages were affected, and affected electors have been issued replacements.

The deadline to request special ballots is Sept. 25. Canada Post highly suggests electors mail their completed special ballot packages back to Elections Alberta no later than Oct. 9, to ensure they are received by the deadline of Oct. 16, at 5:00 p.m.

Elections Alberta says although 48,000 residents have applied to be an elections officer provincewide, qualified applicants are still needed in the ridings of Grande Prairie-Wapiti and Peace River. Albertans 16 years of age and older are encouraged to apply at https://www.elections.ab.ca/jobs.

Also, there is a new program for groups, such as sports teams, community groups, volunteer organizations, and more, wanting to work together for the referendum. They can apply directly to Returning Offices starting on Monday, Sept. 21, to have their group’s members hired as election officers and be paid as a group.

Elections Alberta will launch its referendum website the morning of Monday, Sept. 21. The website will provide easy access to content and videos, including:

  • Voter eligibility, registration, and identification requirements
  • Local Returning Office contact information, addresses, and hours
  • Elections Alberta Where to Vote tool
  • Voting locations and times for advance voting – (October 13 to 17)
  • Voting locations and times for Election Day voting – (October 19)
  • How ballots are counted for in-person voting and special ballots
  • Link to unofficial results, which will be live after all voting locations are confirmed closed on election night
  • Important dates and news releases
  • Information on accessible voting options for persons with disabilities

Where to Vote cards will be mailed to electors across the province at the end of September. Voting day is October 19.

by Erika Rolling