Elections Alberta is reaching out to experienced electoral staff nationwide to lend their expertise for the upcoming October referendum. According to Elections Alberta spokesperson Maia Hanrahan, this collaborative effort among electoral management bodies is a regular practice during significant election events. The additional support is crucial, particularly after the voting period, to ensure the seamless execution of tasks like the 48-hour continuous count following a day of voting.
Scheduled for October 19, the 2026 referendum in Alberta will involve 10 questions, including inquiries about the province’s status within Canada and various immigration and constitutional matters. Elections BC and Elections Saskatchewan have been approached by Elections Alberta for assistance, with both entities considering how they can support the referendum operations.
Elections Canada has also been contacted by Elections Alberta regarding potential aid for the referendum. However, Elections Canada clarified that any support provided would be under the direction of Elections Alberta, emphasizing that Elections Canada would not be involved in the actual conduct of the referendum.
Acknowledging the professional development opportunity for their staff, Elections Saskatchewan expressed willingness to assist Alberta in organizing the referendum. This collaborative effort not only benefits Elections Alberta but also provides valuable experience and skill enhancement for staff members from other electoral bodies.
As the recruitment campaign for electoral workers progresses, Elections Alberta has already received over 30,000 applications from Albertans. Despite the positive response, former Alberta Chief Electoral Officer Lorne Gibson highlighted challenges in leveraging external electoral management body workers, citing limitations in personnel availability and associated costs.
Gibson also noted that the eligibility criteria for working the referendum in Alberta, such as residency requirements, age limits, and criminal record checks, can pose further challenges. Additionally, the recently announced byelection in Calgary-Shaw adds a layer of complexity as the referendum preparations intensify.