Alberta referendum: Mail-in ballot applications now open

Albertans seeking to vote by mail in the upcoming October referendum can now submit their applications online. Elections Alberta opened the application process on July 20, 2026, for the referendum scheduled for Oct. 19.

Premier Danielle Smith has put forward 10 questions for the ballot. These include a significant question on whether the province should remain in Canada or pursue a second, binding referendum on secession. Voters will also be asked to weigh in on matters of constitutional and immigration reform.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 9. Voters must then return their completed envelopes, along with photocopies of their identification, by Oct. 16. For those who prefer to vote in person, advance voting will be available across the province from Oct. 13 to Oct. 17.

Elections Alberta is undertaking an extensive hiring initiative to facilitate the vote, having already received approximately 22,000 job applications for the 60,000 workers needed. This reflects the scale of the operation required to manage the referendum.