Alberta’s provincial referendum will take place on Monday, October 19, 2026. Local 5 encourages every eligible member to learn about the questions, make a voting plan and participate.

What will be on the ballot?

Voters will receive ballots for ten referendum questions. Questions 1–9 require a Yes or No response. Question 10 asks voters to choose between Alberta remaining a province of Canada or beginning the legal process required for a future binding referendum on separation.

The questions address immigration, eligibility and fees for publicly funded services—including education and health care—proof of citizenship for provincial voting, constitutional changes, federal and provincial authority, and Alberta’s place within Canada.

Read the complete official wording of all ten questions before voting. Elections Alberta administers the referendum but does not interpret the questions or advise Albertans how to vote.

Three ways to vote

Vote by mail

Any eligible voter may apply to vote by mail; no special reason is required.

• Apply for a special ballot by September 25.

• Your completed package must be received by Elections Alberta by mail no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 16.

• Follow the enclosed instructions carefully, sign the declaration and include copies—not originals—of the required identification.

Apply for a special ballot

Vote early: October 13–17

During advance voting, you may vote at any advance voting location within your electoral division.

Vote on Referendum Day: October 19

Vote at your assigned voting location between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Use the Where to Vote tool to find voting locations and confirm where you should vote.

Before you vote

• Check or update your registration through Voterlink.

• Review the identification accepted by Elections Alberta.

• Read the exact ballot wording.

• Decide when, where and how you will vote.

Voters must establish their identity and current address. Elections Alberta accepts several combinations of identification and, in certain circumstances, an authorized attestation form.

Additional learning resources

The following third-party resources provide additional information and perspectives. They are not official Elections Alberta resources:

• Before Voting

• Know the Nine

• Alberta Referendum Dignity Forum

• Forward Weekly

• Canada’s Invisible Children, a short documentary examining access to education for children whose families have precarious immigration status

  
  

Several referendum questions directly concern access to education and other publicly funded services. Members are encouraged to review the official wording, consider the potential effects of every question and make an informed decision.

Every eligible Albertan deserves the opportunity to participate. Please make a voting plan and encourage your family, friends and colleagues to do the same.