Polling stations are open and election officials expect high turnout for the vote on whether Alberta should remain in Canada or begin the process required to hold a binding referendum on separation. Preliminary numbers from Elections Alberta show 1.36 million Albertans cast ballots in advance polls or by mail. By comparison, 809,988 voters, or nearly 28 per cent of the electorate, voted ahead of the province’s 2023 general election. (The Logic)

Talking point: Polling has consistently put support for Alberta independence below 30 per cent. There is much less consensus, however, on the other nine questions on the ballot, which range from restricting access to public services based on immigration status to pursuing constitutional amendments that would expand provincial control over areas like immigration and judicial appointments. The provincial government is hoping a strong result on the questions could give it a mandate to press Ottawa for greater provincial autonomy. The Logic spoke to newcomers who said the questions, particularly the five dealing with immigration, have left them questioning their place in Alberta. There are also signs that even a decisive rejection of separation may not settle some of the political and economic uncertainty unleashed by the referendum: a new poll by Abacus Data suggests 73 per cent of Albertans expect the independence question to return even if voters choose to remain in Canada.

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