More than 50 days remain until the province’s Oct. 19 referendum, but Elections Alberta reports a significant surge in requests for mail-in voting compared to past elections.
Elections Alberta disclosed that they have already received over 175,000 applications for special ballots by Tuesday, offering voters the option to vote via mail. This figure is nearly three times higher than the 59,589 special ballot requests for the 2023 provincial election, which itself was more than double the number for the 2019 election.
The upcoming referendum this fall will present 10 questions to voters, including topics such as immigration, the Constitution, and the possibility of a second binding referendum on Alberta’s separation.
The increased demand for special ballots is partially attributed to the discontinuation of the province’s “Vote Anywhere” system, as stated by Elections Alberta. Previously, electors could vote at any polling station during advanced voting. However, recent changes to the Elections Act have ended this system while expanding special ballot eligibility to more voters.
“Election regulations now require electors to vote in their electoral division, eliminating the ‘vote anywhere’ option in Alberta,” mentioned Elections Alberta spokesperson Maia Hanrahan.
Furthermore, legislative amendments have broadened the availability of special ballots, removing the need for voters to provide a reason when applying for one. This change is expected to prompt individuals who previously utilized the “vote anywhere” system to opt for special ballots.
The application period for special ballots commenced in July and will run until Sept. 25, accessible to all eligible electors. Elections Alberta will start mailing special ballots on Sept. 1, with electors required to return their ballots via mail before 5 p.m. on Oct. 16.
Chief electoral officer Gordon McClure suggested in July that some Albertans might choose to vote by mail to allow extra time to review the 10 referendum questions thoroughly.
Mount Royal University political scientist Lori Williams highlighted the complexity of the 10 referendum questions, totaling over 400 words, as a potential reason for the increased interest in mail-in voting. She emphasized that voters may want time to understand the questions and make informed decisions, especially considering potential confusion over the wording.
Williams anticipates a continued rise in mail-in ballot interest as discussions surrounding the referendum intensify this fall, emphasizing its significance for Alberta and Canada’s future.
To obtain a special ballot, individuals can complete an online form on Elections Alberta’s website, via email, or by contacting their electoral division’s returning office after Sept. 21. Advance voting will take place from Oct. 13-17, with voting locations open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 19.