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By Dave Lueneberg
In search of 60,000 workers

Elections Alberta begins largest-ever recruitment drive for this Fall’s referendum

Jun 8, 2026 | 9:56 AM

With an upcoming referendum in the Fall, Elections Alberta says it’s launching its largest-ever recruitment campaign of event workers.

With ten questions on the slate, it added it will need to print 45 million ballots, almost two million more than the number of ballots cast in the province’s 2023 general election.

“This referendum will be a colossal undertaking and requires Albertans to work together to deliver the upcoming referendum,” said Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure in a release Monday morning.

“Working with us in the coming months provides a great opportunity for students, teams, community groups, and Albertans from all walks of life to get involved in the democratic process.”

However, to achieve the 48-hour deadline to complete the unofficial ballot count, the independent office contends it will have to hire a minimum of 60,000 workers.

McClure is encouraging all Albertans, including those in rural settings, to apply.

“Delivering a referendum of this scale will require dedicated election workers in every corner of our province.”

To be eligible, Elections Alberta says you must be a resident of Alberta, at least 16 years old, able to work in Canada, need to pass a criminal history check, and not participate in any political activity while in their employ.

Paid positions include: site supervisors, information officers, voting officers, ballot box clerks, registration officers, record clerks, count supervisors, count coordinators, and count officers.

While referendum day will be Monday, October 19th, workers will also be required for advance voting from October 13 – 17, and when ballots are counted, October 19 – 21.

To apply, please click on the link here.

by Dave Lueneberg