Albertans vote on separation, immigration control and provincial power October 19
Ten ballot questions will ask voters whether Alberta should start the process to separate from Canada, tighten immigration rules, and shift power from federal to provincial hands.
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Albertans will cast votes on October 19 on ten questions spanning separation, immigration policy, and provincial governance—a referendum that will determine whether the province pursues independence and how it approaches federal power.
Eligible voters are Canadian citizens 18 or older who normally reside in Alberta. Voters need an ID with an address on it. Each voter receives ten colour-coded ballots and may decline any, leave any blank, or cast all ten. The vote is private.
Question 1 asks the core separation question: "Alberta should remain a province of Canada" or "The Government of Alberta should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada." If a majority votes for the second option, another referendum would follow to decide whether Alberta becomes independent.
Questions 2 through 6 address immigration: whether Alberta should have more control in decreasing immigration and aligning intake with local economic needs; whether free services should be extended to immigrants with temporary status; whether proof of citizenship should be required to vote; and related provincial autonomy on immigration intake.
Questions 7 through 10 concern provincial governance: how judges for certain courts should be selected; whether Canada should abolish the federal Senate; whether Alberta should opt out of federal programs and use federal cash for provincial programs instead; and whether Alberta should prioritize provincial laws over federal laws in areas of conflict.
Advance polls run October 13–17 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at any station within a voter's provincial riding. On October 19, polls are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at assigned stations closer to voters' residences. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote. The mail ballot deadline has passed. CBC has produced a printable referendum guide in English, French, Traditional Chinese, Punjabi and Hindi.
The facts
When is the Alberta referendum?
The referendum is on October 19, 2026.
How many ballot questions will voters receive?
Albertans will receive ten colour-coded ballots, one for each question.
What happens if a majority votes for separation?
If a majority votes for the second option on Question 1, another referendum will follow to decide whether Alberta becomes independent.
When do advance polls open?
Advance polls run from October 13–17, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at any station within a voter's provincial riding.
Ongoing coverage · Alberta Separation Referendum Coverage
