With more than 50 days remaining until the October 19 provincial referendum, Elections Alberta has reported a significant surge in requests for mail-in voting compared to previous elections. As of Tuesday, over 175,000 requests for special ballots have been received, nearly tripling the number requested for the 2023 provincial election and more than doubling the 2019 election figures.
The upcoming fall referendum in Alberta will feature 10 questions, covering topics such as immigration, the Constitution, and the possibility of a second binding referendum on separation. The increased demand for special ballots is partially attributed to the discontinuation of the “Vote Anywhere” system, where voters could cast their ballot at any polling station in the province during advanced voting. Changes to the Elections Act now require electors to vote in their electoral division, leading to a broader eligibility for special ballots without the need for a specific reason.
Applications for special ballots opened in July and will remain available until October 9 for all eligible electors. Elections Alberta will commence mailing out special ballots on September 1, with completed packages required to be returned by mail before 5 p.m. on October 16. Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure suggested that voters may opt for mail-in ballots to allow more time for reviewing the 10 referendum questions thoroughly.
Political scientist Lori Williams from Mount Royal University highlighted the complexity of the referendum questions, each containing over 400 words collectively, which may prompt voters to seek additional time for reflection. Concerns about potential confusion over the ballot questions and longer wait times at polling stations could further drive interest in mail-in balloting as the referendum date approaches.
Individuals can obtain a special ballot by submitting an online form on Elections Alberta’s website, via email, or by contacting the returning office for their electoral division starting September 21. Advance voting will take place from October 13-17, with polling locations open on October 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.