Alberta referendum set for October 19; advance voting starts October 13

Why it matters

Alberta will hold a provincial referendum on Monday, October 19, with voters deciding 10 questions covering immigration policy, equalization payments, election security and constitutional powers — including one on the provincial government beginning the legal process toward a binding independence referendum. Advance voting runs October 13-17.

Eligible voters are Canadian citizens aged 18 or older who are ordinary residents of Alberta. Polls are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on referendum day; during advance voting, voters may cast ballots at any advance location in their electoral division. Mail-ballot applications closed September 25, and special ballots must reach Elections Alberta by 5 p.m. on October 16. The vote is administered by Elections Alberta.

The 10 questions split between non-constitutional policy questions and constitutional ones; the constitutional items concern the division of powers between Alberta and Ottawa and would require federal cooperation or a constitutional amendment to take effect.

Federal Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner Anton Boegman said on September 22 that his office is aware of concerns about foreign influence around the referendum and has proactively contacted individuals and organizations that may have registration obligations.