Alberta referendum sees record surge in mail-in ballot requests

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 18, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC NEWS

CANADA – More than 509,000 Albertans have requested special ballots for the province’s Oct. 19 referendum, marking an unprecedented surge in demand for voting by mail.

Elections Alberta said the number of requests is already more than eight times the roughly 60,000 special ballots requested during the 2023 provincial election. The referendum features 10 questions covering issues including Alberta’s relationship with Canada, immigration and constitutional reform.

The most closely watched question asks Albertans whether the province should remain in Canada or whether the government should begin the process toward a binding referendum on separation.

The increase in mail-in voting comes as Elections Alberta prepares for one of the province’s largest voting operations. The agency expects to need about 60,000 election workers and has received nearly 48,000 applications so far.

Under updated rules, Albertans no longer need to provide a reason to request a special ballot. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 25, while completed ballots must reach Elections Alberta by 5 p.m. on Oct. 16.

The surge also highlights the scale of interest surrounding the referendum, with almost three million eligible voters in Alberta. Elections Alberta is continuing preparations, including efforts to recruit additional election officers across the province.