Roughly 520,000 requests for special ballots had been submitted to Elections Alberta ahead of the Oct. 19 referendum, with over 330,000 of those ballots dispatched to voters. A technical error at Elections Alberta resulted in 313 special ballot packages being dispatched without their ballots enclosed, and replacement packages have since been provided to all affected voters. Around 7,200 voter registration forms have been held up due to problems with addresses, typographical errors, and other inaccuracies, with the relevant body noting that steps are under way to resolve these matters. Applicants for special ballots are able to monitor their application's progress via an online portal, using the guidance provided at the time of submission. The application deadline falls on Sept. 25, with completed forms recommended for mailing by Oct. 9; Elections Alberta noted that the same identification requirements governing in-person voting also apply to special ballot voting. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's licence or provincial photo ID card, or alternatively two documents bearing the applicant's full name and current address, such as an Alberta Health card paired with a utility bill. Voters submitting ballots by post are advised to include colour or black-and-white photocopies, scans, or photographs of required identification documents rather than the originals themselves. According to the agency, electors wishing to cast a special ballot may do so by applying through the internet, telephone, or electronic mail, then either having the ballot package delivered by post, collecting it themselves, or arranging for an authorized representative to retrieve it from a local returning office or the Elections Alberta office in Edmonton. On October 19, residents of Alberta will cast ballots on a referendum covering topics such as immigration policy, eligibility criteria for provincial programs, voting requirements, provincial jurisdiction over courts and federal initiatives, the abolition of the Senate, and the expansion of provincial authority. The closing item on the survey poses the question of whether Alberta ought to stay within Confederation or pursue a formal referendum on independence. The provincial electoral body announced that a dedicated referendum webpage, covering voter eligibility, registration, and identification requirements, would go live on Sept. 21. Details on nearby returning offices, polling stations, advance voting schedules from Oct. 13 to 17, a link to unofficial results once polls close, and accessible voting arrangements for voters with disabilities will also be made available.
