Politics
Elections Alberta Addresses Special Ballot Queries Ahead of Referendum
By CBC News · Posted: Oct 06, 2026 4:07 PM EDT | Last Updated: October 6
With the referendum scheduled for October 19, CBC Radio’s Calgary Eyeopener asked Elections Alberta questions about the voting process. Maia Hanrahan, a media representative, explained that voters can check the status of their special ballot packages online via a link in their confirmation email. If a package has not been received, voters may still vote in person. Hanrahan noted that less than eight business days remain for more than 500,000 voters to mail in their special ballots.
Hanrahan clarified that the verification process for special ballots differs from the citizen‑initiated petition process. When a special ballot is applied for, the voter’s name and address are matched to the voter registration. Upon return, the package must include a copy of an authorized ID and a signed declaration that is again compared to registration records. The Elections Alberta website contains detailed steps for verifying returned special ballots.
The representative assured listeners that folding instructions on the ballot back cover are not critical; ballots will be accepted regardless of folding. She also confirmed that a legible, water‑damaged ballot will be counted, and that voters can call the service team at 1‑877‑422‑8683 for assistance.
Hanrahan said she does not have a current tally of incomplete special ballots, but many are missing a declaration or an authorized ID. Those voters are contacted by phone or email to provide the missing information. If a voter prefers not to email, they can call the service centre or vote in person.
Regarding polling‑station safety, Hanrahan emphasized that Elections Alberta works with local law enforcement to secure voting locations. Accessible polling stations are listed on the Elections Alberta website and voters can use assistive tools or request help from election officers.
For rural voters using a P.O. Box, Hanrahan noted that over 50 types of identification are acceptable, including an Alberta driver’s licence or two pieces of ID showing the voter’s name and address.
Special ballot counting begins at 5 p.m. on October 19, with results posted only after all voting stations close, scheduled for 8 p.m. but potentially later if lines remain.
On staffing, Hanrahan reported that over 65,000 election officer applications have been received and more than 41,000 people have been hired. Rural areas such as Taber‑Warner, Lesser Slave Lake, Cardston‑Siksika, Grand Prairie, Fort McMurray and West Yellowhead may need additional support.
Election workers undergo criminal record checks and are prohibited from political activity during employment. They sign an oath to uphold the non‑partisan mandate of the office. Ballots are monitored and tamper‑proof.
Hanrahan said fraudulent voting is very rare, citing only three reprimand letters in the past decade for ineligible voters. She acknowledged that about 0.09 % of special ballots (roughly 313 of more than 650,000) were initially missing questions, and replacement ballots were issued promptly.
The referendum budget will be submitted to the Standing Committee after the vote. Hanrahan encouraged voters with questions to call the service centre for assistance.