Elections Alberta is looking to fill various support positions and has reached out to seasoned electoral staff nationwide to assist with the upcoming October referendum. Maia Hanrahan, spokesperson for Elections Alberta, mentioned that it is customary for electoral management bodies (EMBs) to collaborate during election events. The aim is to bolster the core Elections Alberta team with specialized expertise from experienced EMB staff to enhance resources during this crucial election period. This practice of seeking support from other EMBs for major electoral events is common across the country.
The assistance will be particularly crucial immediately after the voting process concludes. For instance, additional highly specialized resources from EMBs will be required to aid the permanent Elections Alberta team in completing the 48-hour continuous count following a 12-hour voting day, as they will be working in shifts.
The referendum scheduled for October 19, 2026, will pose 10 questions to Albertans, including inquiries about the province’s status within Canada and the potential initiation of a second binding referendum on leaving the country. Additionally, the questions will cover a range of topics related to immigration and constitutional matters.
Both Elections BC and Elections Saskatchewan have confirmed receiving a request for assistance from Elections Alberta. Elections BC is currently evaluating the request to align it with their operational needs for the fall season. Meanwhile, Elections Canada has acknowledged receiving an inquiry from Elections Alberta regarding potential support for the referendum and is exploring various options to aid in recruitment efforts. Elections Saskatchewan has also offered staff support to assist Alberta in conducting the upcoming referendum.
Elections Alberta reported a successful recruitment campaign with over 30,000 applications received from Albertans across the province as of Tuesday afternoon, out of a target of 60,000 electoral workers. Lorne Gibson, a former chief electoral officer in Alberta, highlighted the challenges in seeking assistance from EMB workers outside Alberta due to limitations in manpower and associated costs such as travel, accommodation, and salaries.
Gibson also mentioned the eligibility criteria for election officers in Alberta, emphasizing the need for them to be residents of the province, eligible to work in Canada, at least 16 years old (18 for specific roles), pass a criminal record check, and uphold a non-partisan mandate during the referendum. He pointed out that the recently announced byelection for the riding of Calgary-Shaw by Premier Danielle Smith could potentially add complexity and distractions while preparing for the referendum with 10 questions.