Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Albertans eligible to vote in the October 19, 2026 Referendum can now apply for Vote by Mail, with Elections Alberta officially opening online applications for Special Ballots. The initiative is intended to provide voters with greater flexibility ahead of polling day, particularly those who may be unable to cast their vote in person.
According to Elections Alberta, every eligible elector can request a Special Ballot without having to provide any specific reason. Officials say the option allows voters to complete their ballot at a convenient time and location, giving them adequate opportunity to review the referendum questions before making a decision.
Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure said the mail-in voting system offers added convenience, especially since this year’s referendum contains 10 questions. He noted that some voters may prefer extra time to carefully consider each question before submitting their ballot.
The Vote-by-Mail option is expected to benefit residents who will be travelling, working away from home, or studying outside their electoral division during the advance voting period or on polling day.
Applications for Special Ballots will remain open until October 9, 2026. However, completed ballot packages must reach Elections Alberta by mail no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 16, 2026, to be counted. Officials clarified that Returning Offices will not accept completed mail-in ballot packages.
Electors can submit their application online through Elections Alberta’s dedicated portal, by email, or by contacting their Returning Office once it opens later in September.
Ballot packages will begin being mailed from September 1 and will include a prepaid return envelope. Voters also have the option of collecting their package in person from Elections Alberta’s Edmonton headquarters or their local Returning Office. In certain cases, a designated individual may collect the package on behalf of an elector who requires assistance because of illness or disability.
To complete the voting process, electors must sign the required declaration and include photocopies of approved identification confirming both their name and residential address. Elections Alberta has advised voters not to send original identification documents with their ballot package.
Those who prefer to vote in person can cast their ballot during advance voting from October 13 to October 17 at designated polling stations within their electoral division. On Election Day, October 19, polling stations will remain open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with voters required to attend their assigned voting location.
Elections Alberta has also encouraged Albertans to explore employment opportunities related to the referendum, noting that all election positions and training sessions are paid. Additional information regarding voting procedures, ballot requirements and referendum updates is available through the agency’s official communication channels.
