More than 50 days are left before the October 19 referendum in the province, but Elections Alberta has reported a significant increase in requests for mail-in voting compared to previous elections. As of Tuesday, over 175,000 requests for special ballots, allowing voters to cast their votes by mail, have been received.
This number is almost three times higher than the 59,589 special ballots requested for the provincial election in 2023, which itself saw a doubling of requests compared to the 2019 election. The upcoming referendum will feature 10 questions, including ones related to immigration, the Constitution, and the possibility of a second binding referendum on separation for Alberta.
The surge in special ballot requests can be partly attributed to the discontinuation of the province’s “Vote Anywhere” system. Previously, voters could cast their ballots at any polling station across Alberta during the advanced voting period. However, recent changes to the Elections Act have ended this system while expanding special ballot eligibility to more voters.
Elections Alberta spokesperson Maia Hanrahan explained that voters now need to cast their ballots in their specific electoral division and no longer have the option to vote anywhere in the province. Moreover, legislative changes have made special ballots more accessible, with voters no longer requiring a specific reason to apply for one. This shift is expected to encourage many who previously used the “Vote Anywhere” system to now opt for special ballots.
Applications for special ballots opened in July and will continue until September 25, available to all eligible electors. Election officials will start sending out special ballots to voters on September 1, and completed special ballot packages must be returned by mail before 5 p.m. on October 16.
Chief electoral officer Gordon McClure suggested in July that some Albertans might prefer to vote by mail to have additional time to review the 10 referendum questions thoroughly. Mount Royal University political scientist Lori Williams noted that the complexity of the questions, each with over 400 words combined, could prompt voters to take extra time to understand and decide how to vote.
The potential for confusion over the wording of the referendum questions may lead to longer wait times at polling stations, a concern for voters as the October referendum approaches. Williams anticipates a further increase in interest in mail-in ballots as discussions surrounding the referendum intensify.
To obtain a special ballot, individuals can fill out an online form on Elections Alberta’s website, send an email, or contact the returning office for their electoral division starting September 21. Advance voting is scheduled from October 13 to 17, with voting locations open on October 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.