Alberta votes after more than 1.35 million advance or special ballots

Alberta’s referendum takes place Monday, October 19. Elections Alberta says electors must vote at their assigned polling place, open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. [5]

Participation before election day

More than 1.35 million Albertans, or 43% of eligible voters, cast advance or special ballots, AP reports on October 19. These figures do not reveal their choices. [6]

Mark Carney urged Albertans to remain in Canada in Calgary on October 15, The Canadian Press reports. He warned of divisions that a move toward separation would cause. [2]

What the ballot asks

Elections Alberta sets voting day for October 19. Question 10 offers a choice between remaining in Canada and starting the legal process for a future binding separation referendum. The result of this question is not binding. [1]

Disagreement on the other questions

The Canadian Press reports that Danielle Smith says she voted to remain in Canada. She supports the other nine proposals, which Carney opposes. [2]

The scope of the vote

Those proposals address immigration, access to certain public services and constitutional changes, among other issues. The October 19 vote therefore does not itself amount to a decision on independence. [1]

When results are expected

Elections Alberta says the unofficial count must finish within 48 hours after polls close. Official results are scheduled for October 29 at 10 a.m. local time. [5]