Alberta Votes on Future in Canada in 10-Question Referendum

Voters in Alberta are casting ballots Monday, Oct. 19, in a provincial referendum that will decide whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the legal process toward a future referendum on separation, according to the most recent accounts of the vote. PBS

Elections Alberta identifies Monday, Oct. 19 as Referendum Election Day for the 2026 provincial referendum. Elections Alberta It is the final day to vote after advance voting was available from Tuesday, Oct. 13 to Saturday, Oct. 17. Elections Alberta

The ballot puts 10 questions to voters. Nine questions were put forward by Premier Danielle Smith, with the question on Alberta's future within Canada added to them. The New York Times

That question on remaining in Canada versus starting the legal process for separation appears as Question 10, the last question voters see. Reuters The citizen petition behind the separation push proposed the question: "Do you agree that the province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?" CBC

Smith, the leader of the governing United Conservative Party who was sworn in as Alberta's 19th premier on Oct. 11, 2022, has hedged her position on secession. That stance risks backlash from both her conservative base and pro-Canada voters. The New York Times

For voting, all locations are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must show proof of name and physical address, and can vote in advance at any location in their electoral division but must use their assigned location on Election Day.