Elections Alberta is reaching out to experienced electoral staff from different parts of the country to assist in the upcoming October referendum. The move is part of a common practice among electoral management bodies to support each other during significant election events.
Senior and specialized electoral staff are being invited to join the core Elections Alberta team to provide expert resources during the crucial referendum. The additional support will be crucial, particularly in the period following the conclusion of voting.
Scheduled for October 19, the 2026 referendum in Alberta will feature 10 questions covering various topics, including the province’s relationship with Canada and other issues related to immigration and constitutional matters.
Elections BC and Elections Saskatchewan have confirmed receiving requests for assistance from Elections Alberta. Both offices are evaluating the requests to align with their operational needs during the fall season.
Elections Canada has also been approached by Elections Alberta for support with the referendum. However, Elections Canada clarified that any assistance provided would involve interested employees or retired staff working under the direction of Elections Alberta, with no direct involvement in the referendum’s execution.
Elections Saskatchewan has offered staff support to Alberta for the upcoming referendum, viewing it as a valuable professional development opportunity for their team. Participating in electoral events in different jurisdictions helps enhance skills and provides practical experience for future elections.
Elections Alberta’s recruitment campaign has been successful, with over 30,000 applications received from Albertans across the province. The goal is to recruit 60,000 electoral workers for the referendum.
Former chief electoral officer in Alberta, Lorne Gibson, pointed out the challenges associated with relying on external electoral staff due to limited resources and high costs. Additionally, meeting eligibility requirements for working the referendum, including residing in Alberta, being eligible to work in Canada, passing a criminal record check, and upholding a non-partisan mandate, can further complicate the staffing process. Gibson also highlighted the potential impact of distractions like the recent byelection in Calgary-Shaw on referendum preparations.