2026 Alberta Referendum

With the Alberta provincial referendum taking place October 19, 2026, BLLHA is sharing factual, non-partisan information to help members and their employees understand when, where and how they can vote.

Make your voice count

Voting is an important opportunity for Albertans to participate in decisions that affect our province, communities and businesses. BLLHA encourages eligible members and employees to make a plan to vote and take part in the referendum process. Whether you vote in advance, on Election Day or by special ballot, make sure you understand your options and allow enough time to cast your ballot.

When can I vote?

Advance Voting:
October 13–17, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Electors can vote at any advance voting location within their electoral division.

Election Day:
Monday, October 19, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
On Election Day, electors must vote at their assigned voting location.

Vote by Special Ballot:
Eligible electors who wish to vote by mail must apply for a special ballot by September 25, 2026. Completed special ballot packages must be received by Elections Alberta by 5:00 p.m. on October 16, 2026.

Where can I vote in Banff?

Elections Alberta’s Where to Vote tool provides voting-location information. For the referendum, the tool is available beginning September 21, 2026.

On Election Day, voters must attend the location assigned to their home address. During advance voting, voters can use any advance voting location within their electoral division.

A reminder for employers

Under Alberta’s Election Act, eligible employees must have three consecutive, non-work hours to vote on one of the advance voting days or on Election Day.

If an employee’s regular work schedule does not provide three consecutive hours during voting hours, the employer must provide sufficient additional time. The employer determines when that time is provided, based on operational needs.

Additional time provided by the employer must be paid, and no penalty may be imposed on an employee for taking the time required to vote.

BLLHA encourages members to share this information with their teams and plan schedules accordingly so eligible employees have an opportunity to participate.

The October 19, 2026 Alberta referendum will ask Albertans to vote on 10 questions covering immigration, constitutional changes and Alberta’s relationship with Canada. The first nine questions ask voters to indicate yes or no. The tenth question provides two options concerning Alberta’s status as a province of Canada.

Because several of the questions could have implications for Alberta’s workforce, employers, businesses and communities, members may wish to review the questions and consider information from a range of sources before voting.

Additional perspectives and analysis:*

*BLLHA is providing these resources for information and awareness only and does not endorse or advocate for a particular response to any referendum question. Members are encouraged to review the actual ballot wording, consult multiple sources and distinguish between documented facts, policy analysis, opinion and advocacy when considering the questions.

Before You Vote
Provides background articles examining each of the 10 questions, including individual articles on Questions 1–5, Questions 6–9 and Question 10. The organization describes itself as a group of Albertans with backgrounds in government, public service, media and law. Its material includes analysis and perspectives, so members should consider it alongside other sources.

Government of Alberta – Alberta Referendum 2026
Provides the Alberta government’s background information and explanation of the referendum questions, including separate sections on immigration, constitutional changes and separation.

Angus Reid Institute – Alberta Referendum Research
Provides independent public-opinion research relating to Albertans’ views on issues addressed by the referendum, including the immigration questions.

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Alberta Referendum Analysis
Provides policy analysis and commentary on the referendum questions, including immigration and constitutional issues. Members should note that CCPA is a policy organization with its own perspectives and positions.

The Non-Profit Chamber – Before you vote: Referendum Reference Guide.
Provides plain language clarity on what each question asks, what a result means, and where to read more.