Voting places across Alberta opened their doors Monday morning for the provincial referendum, with polls scheduled to remain open until 8 p.m.
Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure confirmed that the majority of locations are operating on schedule, though a small number of exceptions with 9 a.m. openings will extend their closing times accordingly.
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Voters are required to cast their ballots at their assigned location based on their ordinary place of residence. Electors looking to confirm their polling station can check their mailed “Where to Vote” card, visit the Elections Alberta Where to Vote tool, or call 1-877-422-8683.
The Lloydminster polling station is located at the Border Inn and Suites, 5411 44 St.
What to Bring
To vote, electors must prove their identity and current physical address. More than 50 options are accepted, including government-issued photo identification with a current address, or a combination of two pieces of ID showing the voter’s name, with at least one displaying their physical address.
“Where to Vote” cards cannot be used as identification. Elections Alberta also reminds voters that unsubmitted special ballot packages cannot be dropped off or accepted at in-person voting locations.
Voting Process and Identification
Upon arrival, eligible voters will check in at a registration table. Those not yet registered can do so on-site by completing a declaration of eligibility and providing accepted identification.
Voters will receive ten colour-coded ballots corresponding to the ten referendum questions. Electors can decline any ballot if they choose not to vote on a specific question. Accessible voting tools, curbside voting, and assistance from a support person or family member are available for voters requiring accommodation.
Time Off Work and Rules
Under the Election Act, employers are required to give employees three consecutive, non-work hours to vote. If an employee’s work schedule does not provide this window, employers must allot paid extra time off.
Elections Alberta notes that smart glasses, recording devices, and photography are strictly prohibited inside voting locations. While mobile phones are allowed for texting or accessing apps, they must be silenced or used with headphones to prevent disrupting others.
Results and Timeline
Unofficial results will be published at Elections Alberta Results once all polling locations across the province have officially closed. Counting will feature hand counts for all ballots, with Question 10 reported first, followed by Questions 1 through 9.
Official results are legislated to be announced on Oct. 29, 10 days following Election Day.
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