With 10 questions and 10 separate ballots, Albertans brace for a ‘gong show’ referendum vote - Toronto Star

Concerns over lineups contributed to what Elections Alberta is reporting as a surge in requests for mail-in ballots, also known as special ballots.

Alberta referendum mail-in special ballots are seen in Calgary on Sept. 24, 2026.

OTTAWA — Federalists campaigning for Alberta to remain in Canada are urging supporters to vote early in an effort to drive up turnout amid concerns about what they could face when polling stations open in less than 25 days. 

Concerns over lineups have contributed to what Elections Alberta is reporting as a surge in requests for mail-in ballots, also known as special ballots. As of Friday afternoon, the agency says 639,000 requests had been made ahead of the midnight Friday deadline. 

While some Albertans want to set the province on a path toward separation on Oct. 19, federalists are counting on voters who want to remain in Canada to show up and translate the consistently high polling support for staying into a clear message at the ballot box.

“What I would urge people to think about is that supporting Alberta staying in Canada, it’s a small price to pay to line up for an hour, given what Canada and Alberta gives to people,” said former Alberta MP and cabinet minister Monte Solberg.

Solberg, who is among those behind the third-party advertiser Vote to Stay, sees indications suggesting the referendum will see high voter turnout as benefitting the remain side.