Alberta votes on starting legal path to separation from Canada

Albertans are voting today, Monday 19 October, in a historic referendum that could set Canada’s oil-rich western province on the legal path toward independence.

The ballot is not a direct vote for separation. Question 10 of a 10-question referendum — which will be issued and counted first, according to Elections Alberta — asks voters whether to remain a Canadian province or direct the provincial government to begin the constitutional and legal steps required for a future binding referendum on independence, reports Meeko News. The other questions cover immigration, public services and voter identification.

Turnout is expected to be high: 1,356,873 Albertans — 43.1% of eligible voters — already cast advance or special ballots, according to Elections Alberta via Harava News. Polls are open from 9am to 8pm local time.

Premier Danielle Smith called the referendum but opposes independence and says she voted for Alberta to remain in Canada, the Washington Examiner reports. Prime Minister Mark Carney has campaigned in Alberta for national unity, warning that threats from abroad make unity increasingly important amid tensions over President Donald Trump’s trade policies and his repeated suggestions that Canada become the 51st US state. Reuters-cited polling finds roughly seven in ten Albertans prefer to stay, with about one-quarter backing independence.

Unofficial results are expected within 48 hours of polls closing, with the official result scheduled to be announced on 29 October.