Alberta votes tomorrow on independence and constitutional questions
Albertans head to the polls on October 19 to answer 10 referendum questions, including whether the province should begin the legal process to hold a binding vote on separation from Canada. Polling shows a strong majority favour remaining in Canada.
The Vote and the Stakes
The 2026 Alberta referendum takes place on October 19 with ten questions, including one asking whether to remain in Canada or for the province to take steps toward holding a binding referendum on separating from Canada. The vote on independence is non-binding and asks whether the province should begin a constitutional process toward a future independence referendum, not whether to leave Canada now.
What's on the Ballot
The 10 questions cover everything from immigration policy to equalization payments to the province's constitutional relationship with Ottawa, alongside the headline question on Alberta's separation. Questions 6 through 9 ask whether Alberta should work with other willing provinces to pursue amendments to the Canadian Constitution concerning the appointment of judges, abolition of the Senate, provincial ability to opt out of certain federal programs without losing associated federal funding, and giving provincial laws priority over federal laws in certain areas.
Voting Details
Elections Alberta reported that 174,532 people voted on Tuesday, October 13, the first of five advance voting days. Polls point to an average of 70% for remaining in Canada and 22% for beginning the separation process as of October 9.
For Newcomers
If you are a permanent resident or Canadian citizen eligible to vote and reside in Alberta, voting takes place October 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at your assigned location (different from advance voting). If you were out of province and requested a mail-in ballot, it must reach Elections Alberta by 5 p.m. on October 16. The outcome, while non-binding, will shape Alberta's political direction and could influence federal-provincial relations affecting immigration policy and interprovincial mobility.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
