Countdown on to Oct. 19 Alberta referendum. What you need to know

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal NewsPolitics Countdown on to Oct. 19 Alberta referendum. What you need to know Prior to Oct. 19 vote day, advance voting runs from Oct. 13 to Oct. 17 Author of the article: By Cindy Tran Published Sep 19, 2026 4 minute read Join the conversation Elections Alberta held a technical briefing on preparations, the voting process, the count, for the Oct. 19 referendum in Alberta on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. PHOTO BY SHAUGHN BUTTS /Postmedia Article content In one month, Albertans can head to the polls to vote on whether or not the province should stay in Canada or hold a second referendum on leaving the country. Article content Nine other referendum questions on Oct. 19 will focus on whether Alberta should have more immigration and constitutional leverage. Article content Article content The October date has loomed since it was first announced by Premier Danielle Smith earlier this year, causing divisions, and discussions, around the dinner table, academia, and political spheres. Article content Article content As the month to big vote day ticks down, here’s a refresher on the questions and voting process. Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content The questions Article content While there are 10 questions, the one posed on the future of Alberta’s independence has been split into two options. Article content Option A: Alberta should remain a province in Canada. Article content Option B: The Government of Alberta should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada. Article content Five of the questions take aim at immigration. Voting in favour would have Smith and her UCP government move to take more control of immigration, including introducing legislation that would tighten access to provincially-funded programs such as health care and education, and charge some fees to access those Alberta systems. Article content Support for the four constitutional questions would give the government the green light to work with other provinces and territories to amend the Canadian Constitution in an effort to have…