Public demand surges for advance ballots in Alberta separation referendum

Election officials in Alberta are moving up the deadline for applying to vote in the province's separatist referendum by two weeks, responding to a surge in demand for mail-in ballots. Elections Alberta reported that interest in early voting by mail has increased significantly, with 290,000 people applying for ballots so far, up from 225,000 earlier this week.

The original deadline for applications was Oct. 9, but it has now been extended to Sept. 25. The referendum, which will see at least 60,000 workers employed to ensure smooth operations, features ten questions covering immigration and constitutional reform, with the final question focusing on the potential for separation from Canada.

This final question asks Albertans whether they wish to remain part of the country or participate in a second referendum on leaving Confederation.