How to vote in Alberta’s Monday referendum: locations, ID rules and what to expect

The Story

Alberta’s provincewide referendum is taking place Monday.

Officials say there are more than 1,400 polling stations open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, and that advance voting locations opened Tuesday and close Saturday night.

To avoid confusion and delays, Elections Alberta recommends voters get familiar with the referendum ballot questions ahead of time; the questions are posted on the Elections Alberta website.

Voting officials say most people should be able to complete the 10 ballots in about two minutes, though voters can take as much time as they want to mark their ballots.

If you’re registered, Elections Alberta advises you should receive a “where to vote” card by mail. Otherwise, voters are directed to use the Elections Alberta website to find their assigned location.

For identification, Elections Alberta says you need one government-issued ID that shows your correct name, current address and photo, such as a driver’s licence. Voters may also use two pieces of ID that both have the voter’s full name, with one showing the voter’s current address.

Elections Alberta lists 50 forms of acceptable ID on its website, including options such as a library card or a hunting licence, as well as items like a bank statement or vehicle registration. The agency says it will accept expired forms of ID, including a certificate of Indian Status Card, as long as the document still shows the correct name.

In special circumstances, voters may bring an attestation form signed by an authorized person such as a First Nation band manager or a student housing staffer.

If you’re not registered, a voting officer will ask you to sign a declaration confirming eligibility, including that you are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and normally reside in Alberta.

Elections Alberta says there are 10 ballots, provided in different colours for easier identification. Voters can mark some of the ballots, all of them or none, and each ballot is placed into separate boxes to help with counting.

If the polls close at 8 p.m. while you’re still in line, Elections Alberta says you will be allowed to vote.

Officials say votes are required to be counted by hand within 48 hours. Question 10, which relates to separation, is to be counted first, with early results expected after 8 p.m. Monday and the final count announced in the early hours Tuesday. The results for the other nine questions are to be completed and announced by Wednesday.