Special mail

Special mail-in ballot applications open for Alberta referendum

Alberta is putting 10 questions on the Oct. 19 referendum ballot

Online applications to vote by mail in the upcoming Alberta referendum are now open until Oct. 9.

The province is putting 10 questions on the Oct. 19 ballot, including immigration and Constitution-related questions, and one on whether Alberta should hold a second, binding referendum on separation.

Also known as a special ballot, the option to vote by mail is available to all eligible Alberta electors, according to Elections Alberta. That includes students studying away from home and anyone who will not be available during the advance voting period or on election day.

“Vote by mail gives Albertans the flexibility to choose a day and time that works for them to sit down and consider the referendum questions,” said Gordon McClure, chief electoral officer, in a news release.

“With ten questions, some electors may want extra time to review the questions and voting by mail lets them do that on their own schedule.”

People can secure a special ballot by completing an online form on Elections Alberta's website, by email, or by contacting the returning office for their electoral division starting Sept. 21.

Once a special ballot application is received, Elections Alberta says a package will be mailed to the address provided by the elector, which will include a prepaid return envelope. Those will be sent out beginning Sept. 1.

Elections Alberta must receive special ballot packages by mail before 5 p.m. on Oct. 16.

Advance voting days run from Oct. 13-17.

Voting locations on Oct. 19 will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.