Alberta referendum preparations include mail‑in ballot portal and $300K website

Elections Alberta opened its online portal on July 20 for Albertans to request special mail‑in ballots for the October 19 referendum. Applications close on Oct. 9, and completed ballots must be returned by Oct. 16. Voters can apply online, by email or through their local returning office, with packages mailed or available for pickup starting Sept. 1.

The provincial government contracted Toronto‑based agency Creative Currency to build the referendum website at albertareferendum2026.ca, spending $300,000 (reported $309,300) plus $1,200 for translation into 14 languages. The site launched on April 23, featuring videos on the ten questions—including a newly added question on possible separation from Canada—and FAQs. Over 40,000 Albertans have visited the site and more than 10,000 have watched the videos.

Both initiatives aim to inform voters about the ten‑question referendum, which covers immigration, constitutional issues and the prospect of Alberta taking steps toward separation.