Albertans vote on remaining in Canada in separation referendum
Albertans are voting on Oct. 19, 2026, on whether to remain in Canada or begin the process of pursuing separation. The vote is non-binding, meaning it does not by itself carry legal force, and the province has said the proposed question does not directly trigger separation. Reuters PBS
Premier Danielle Smith announced in May that she would use a previously planned referendum on other issues to also ask Albertans about their future in Canada. The Globe and Mail Two orders in council for a referendum, O.C. 109/2026 and O.C. 110/2026, were approved on March 31, 2026. The signature period for the citizen initiative petition titled "A Referendum Relating to Alberta Independence" ended on May 2, 2026, and Elections Alberta was to begin verification of the petition following a judicial decision on June 29, 2026.
Separatist and federalist camps held duelling rallies at the Alberta legislature in Edmonton over the weekend to make their final pitches. Prime Minister Mark Carney made several stops in Alberta late last week urging Albertans to vote to remain in Canada. The vote comes two weeks after Quebec's provincial election brought a separatist government to power. The Globe and Mail
Millions of early ballots were cast before election day. BBC Advance voting was held the week before election day. Voters could vote in advance at any location in their electoral division, while on election day they vote at their assigned location.
All voters are required to prove their name and physical address to vote, with more than 50 identification options listed by Elections Alberta. The deadline to request a special ballot was Sept. 25, and Canada Post recommended mailing completed special ballots no later than Oct. 9 to guarantee delivery to Elections Alberta. The province's voting guide is available in 27 languages. Elections Alberta
The province's Advisory Panel on the potential impacts of separation issued a final report and assessment ahead of the vote. A provincial technical paper titled Alberta Separation: How It Would Work states that any separation would begin with a referendum.
