More than 50 days are left before the provincial referendum on October 19, yet Elections Alberta reports a significant increase in requests for mail-in ballots compared to previous elections.
As of Tuesday, Elections Alberta has received over 175,000 requests for special ballots, which allow voters to cast their vote by mail. This number is nearly three times higher than the 59,589 special ballots requested for the 2023 provincial election, which itself saw a doubling of requests compared to the 2019 election.
The upcoming referendum will feature 10 questions, including topics related to immigration, the Constitution, and the possibility of a second binding referendum on Alberta’s separation.
The surge in special ballot requests can be partly attributed to the discontinuation of the province’s “Vote Anywhere” system, according to Elections Alberta. Previously, voters could cast their ballots at any voting station across the province during advanced voting. 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 must now cast their ballots in their electoral division and no longer have the option to vote anywhere in Alberta. Changes to legislation have also made special ballots more accessible, as voters no longer need a specific reason to apply for one, leading to an expectation that many who previously used the “Vote Anywhere” system will now opt for special ballots.
Applications to vote by special ballot opened in July and will remain open until September 25 for all eligible electors. Special ballots will be sent out starting September 1, and completed ballot packages must be returned by mail before 5 p.m. on October 16.
Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure suggested in July that some voters may prefer to vote by mail to allow additional time to review the 10 referendum questions thoroughly.
Political scientist Lori Williams from Mount Royal University highlighted that the complexity of the ballot questions, each having over 400 words in total, is likely driving the increased interest in mail-in voting. Voter concerns about potential confusion and longer wait times at polling stations due to the wording of the questions are also contributing to the surge in mail-in ballot requests.
Williams anticipates a further rise in interest in mail-in ballots as discussions around the referendum intensify. She emphasized the significance of the referendum for the future of Alberta and Canada.
To obtain a special ballot, individuals can fill out an online form on Elections Alberta’s website, email their request, or contact the returning office for their electoral division starting September 21. Advance voting will take place from October 13-17, with voting locations open on October 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.