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Alberta mails 225,000 referendum ballots before October vote

9/1/2026

33 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Alberta Officials Mail Ballots

Alberta elections officials will start mailing special ballots on Sept. 1 for the October referendum.
About 225,000 Albertans have applied for mail-in ballots, up from 59,589 in the 2023 election.
Premier Danielle Smith’s spokesperson Sam Blackett rejected claims the referendum questions promote racism.
Blackett said the questions address unsustainable immigration levels and reflect Albertan feedback.

Summary

Alberta Secession Poll

Research Co. poll shows 74% would stay in Canada, while 22% favor a secession referendum.
Support for a binding secession referendum peaks at 27% among 35-54-year-olds.
51% trust former PM Stephen Harper on separation, matching confidence in current PM Mark Carney.
45% would remain in a sovereign Alberta, while 44% might relocate.
81% want universal health care and 50% would reinstate the death penalty in a sovereign Alberta.

Summary

Rath Accuses

McClelland waved a large Alberta flag while speaking at a park rally on Sunday.
NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi urged postponing the October referendum during the “Vote for Canada” rally in Calgary.
Thomas Lukaszuk cited more than 400,000 signatures on his Forever Canadian petition urging Albertans to unite against economic threats.
Separatist leader Jeffrey Rath accused Premier Danielle Smith of betraying UCP members and undermining Alberta’s interests.

History

Historical Context

On October 30 1995 Quebec held a referendum in which the sovereignty option was narrowly rejected. The vote, led by Premier Jacques Parizeau against Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s federalist campaign, produced a result that kept Canada united. That close outcome informs today’s Alberta secession debate, echoed by Premier Danielle Smith and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

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Alberta Officials Mail Ballots

Alberta elections officials will start mailing special ballots on Sept. 1 for the October referendum.
About 225,000 Albertans have applied for mail-in ballots, up from 59,589 in the 2023 election.
Premier Danielle Smith’s spokesperson Sam Blackett rejected claims the referendum questions promote racism.
Blackett said the questions address unsustainable immigration levels and reflect Albertan feedback.

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