Alberta referendum: Special ballot mailing begins amid polling on separation

Alberta referendum special ballots Elections Alberta Alberta separation Canadian politics

Elections Alberta has begun mailing special ballot packages for the upcoming referendum scheduled for October 19, 2026. Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure noted that approximately 225,000 special ballot requests have been received, nearly four times the amount requested during the 2023 Provincial General Election.

Due to legislative amendments to the Election Act, several changes are in effect. Voters no longer need a reason to apply for a special ballot, but these ballots must be returned by mail and cannot be completed in person at local offices. All special ballots must be received by Elections Alberta by 5 p.m. on October 16, 2026.

In related polling data from Research Co., a survey of likely voters in Alberta regarding the referendum shows that 74 per cent intend to vote to remain part of Canada. Only 22 per cent support a binding referendum on separation. The poll also indicates varying levels of support for immigration-related proposals and constitutional questions, such as protecting provincial rights.

Entities

Danielle Smith · Elections Alberta · Gordon McClure · Mark Carney · Research Co.

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] According to polling, 22 per cent of likely voters support a binding referendum on separation. www.castanet.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 225,000 special ballot requests have been received ahead of the October 19 referendum. pipestoneflyer.ca
[○ 1 SOURCE] Special ballots must be received by Elections Alberta by 5 p.m. on October 16, 2026. pipestoneflyer.ca
[○ 1 SOURCE] Elections Alberta has started mailing special ballot packages for the upcoming referendum. pipestoneflyer.ca
[○ 1 SOURCE] A Research Co. poll indicates 74 per cent of likely Alberta voters intend to vote to remain in Canada. www.castanet.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Voters no longer require a reason to apply for a special ballot due to legislative amendments. pipestoneflyer.ca

Sources

Voters reminded of changes as referendum special ballot mailing begins [pipestoneflyer.ca]

13 days ago

Some voters alarmed by self-declaration requirement on mail-in ballots for Alberta referendum [ca.news.yahoo.com]

11 days ago

Canseco: Poll shows Smith trusted less than Carney on Alberta separation [www.castanet.net]

13 days ago

Some referendum ballots missing as Albertans begin to receive mail-in paperwork [globalnews.ca]

11 days ago