Alberta referendum polls show majorities in Calgary and Edmonton back voter ID and immigration measures

A Canada Pulse Insights poll released Friday found that majorities in Edmonton and Calgary back several of the measures on Monday's Alberta referendum ballot, though support for constitutional questions is more divided.

On voter ID requirements — which would mandate documents like a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship card before casting a ballot in Alberta provincial elections — Edmonton showed 64 per cent support and Calgary 67 per cent. Both cities also showed 59 per cent support for increased Alberta control over immigration.

Calgary and Edmonton voters backed all five non-binding policy questions on the 10-question ballot, which also cover access to publicly funded programs for non-permanent residents, residency requirements for social supports, and citizenship proof before voting. Support and opposition to the four binding constitutional questions — abolishing the Senate, provinces appointing superior court judges, opting out of federal programs without losing funding, and provincial laws taking priority over federal law in shared jurisdiction — were relatively balanced among the general population. However, among voters who said they would "very definitely" vote, majorities opposed each of the four constitutional questions.

Turnout may tip the results. In Edmonton, 80 per cent of respondents said they would "very definitely" vote, compared to 78 per cent in Calgary. Among those aged 55 and older, the figures were 91 per cent in Edmonton and 92 per cent in Calgary. Younger voters aged 18 to 34 showed lower commitment: 71 per cent in Edmonton and 69 per cent in Calgary said they would definitely vote. The polling firm assessed that high turnout among committed voters could tilt results toward the "No" side on the constitutional questions.

A separate earlier poll found that 85 per cent of Albertans in both Edmonton and Calgary would vote to keep Alberta in Canada, rejecting separation. Advance polling stations opened across Alberta this week, with more than 300 locations accepting votes before Monday's referendum.