Elections Alberta to start distributing mail-in ballots for October referendum

Elections Alberta has begun distributing mail-in ballots ahead of the province's upcoming referendum on October 19th. As reported by Global News, the agency explained that those who previously registered for a special ballot will soon receive their packages in the mail or can pick them up in person. Spokesperson Maia-Lys Hanrahan revealed that Elections Alberta has received 225,000 requests for mail-in ballots thus far.

These special ballots aim to allow individuals who cannot vote in person on the referendum day to still cast their votes.

The referendum, set to focus on 10 questions, includes one on Albertans' desire to remain in Canada or opt for a second binding vote to separate from Canada. Moreover, voters will be asked five questions regarding the province's enhanced control of immigration and four concerning constitutional reforms. According to Elections Alberta, the deadline for applying for a mail-in ballot is October 9th, with the ballots needing to reach Elections Alberta by October 16th at the latest.

The upcoming referendum is projected to be a significant operation for Elections Alberta, which has announced it will require at least 60,000 workers to execute the vote. Hanrahan affirmed that the agency will continue hiring election officers until the voting for the referendum begins. The agency is actively seeking personnel for various rural areas, such as Medicine Hat, located about 300 kilometers southeast of Calgary, and Athabasca, situated around 150 kilometers north of Edmonton.

Notably, the Elections Alberta is devising a new hiring process tailored for groups, like "your hockey team, community group, choir, or even the group chat." More details regarding this unique hiring approach are expected to be disclosed soon.

In addition to expanding its workforce, Elections Alberta is also recruiting assistance from other provincial election organizations, a strategy deemed standard practice for major voting events. Hanrahan did not disclose the specific number of external hires but emphasized that a small group of professionals from across the country will provide support during the 60 consecutive hour shift from the start of election day to the end of vote counting.

This additional help will enable Elections Alberta to manage its limited permanent staff of fewer than 50 employees.