Alberta referendum mail-in ballots open; October 19 vote will ask 10 questions

Online applications to vote by mail in Alberta's upcoming referendum are now open and will remain so until October 9. The province is putting 10 questions on the October 19 ballot, including immigration and Constitution-related questions, and one asking whether Alberta should hold a second, binding referendum on separation.

The mail-in voting option, known as a special ballot, is available to all eligible Alberta electors, according to Elections Alberta. This includes students studying away from home and anyone who will not be available during advance voting or on election day.

"Vote by mail gives Albertans the flexibility to choose a day and time that works for them to sit down and consider the referendum questions," said Gordon McClure, chief electoral officer. "With ten questions, some electors may want extra time to review the questions and voting by mail lets them do that on their own schedule."

People can secure a special ballot by completing an online form on Elections Alberta's website, by email, or by contacting the returning office for their electoral division starting September 21. Once an application is received, Elections Alberta will mail a package to the provided address, which will include a prepaid return envelope. Packages will be sent beginning September 1, and Elections Alberta must receive completed ballots by mail by 5 p.m. on October 16.

Advance voting runs October 13-17. Regular voting locations on October 19 will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.