Most Alberta referendum polls close, some still open due to late start

Published: October 19, 2026 at 5:21a.m. EDTEven after the polls close, Alberta’s referendum could signify larger changes to come throughout the province, no matter what the ballot says. EDMONTON — Albertans head to the polls today for an historic vote on whether they want to stay in Canada. More than 1.3 million Albertans have already cast ballots by mail or in advanced polls in a referendum called by Premier Danielle Smith. They are being asked whether they want to stay in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation. The vote caps months of rallies, speeches and analyses from both sides. Smith’s United Conservative Party never campaigned on holding a separation vote in the last election in 2023. But Smith says some Albertans’ anger with the state of affairs under former Liberal prime minister Justin Trudeau has boiled over into hundreds of thousands signing petitions for and against Confederation. A referendum, she has said, is now necessary to resolve the matter once and for all. The separation question is one of 10 on the ballot. The first nine focus on immigration and the Constitution.

Trade WarUpdated: October 20, 2026 at 2:11a.m. EDTPublished: October 19, 2026 at 7:00a.m. EDTThe majority of Albertans support staying in Canada rather than to pursue a referendum to separate from the rest of the country, CTV News projects. In a historic vote that saw the oil-rich province put the question of separation to the public, a total of 76.4 per cent of voters think Alberta should stay in Canada, while 23.6 per cent voted to pursue a binding referendum on whether the province should separate. LIVE: Real-time data. Interactive maps. Every question. Every result. The remaining nine questions, focused largely on immigration and constitutional changes, are also being counted right now but official results will not be announced until Wednesday. The emphatic result to remain culminates a year-long campaign from pro-Canada and separatist groups. The Alberta government, on the other hand, campaigned for yes votes on the first nine questions, and Premier Danielle Smith also advocated for the province to remain in Canada. Elections Alberta will announce the final tally for the 10th question by 4 a.m. MT. Results for the first nine questions will be announced Wednesday morning.

Albertans have voted to reject a referendum on separation. With just over one million votes counted in early returns, about 76 per cent voted for the province to stay in Canada. About 24 per cent voted to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving the country. The million votes represent about one-third of all eligible voters. The referendum was called earlier this year by Premier Danielle Smith. Smith said simmering discontent with federal policies had sparked sharp debate in Alberta on separation that could only be resolved through a referendum. This is a breaking story. More to come... EDMONTON — Early returns late Monday showed Albertans voting strongly to stay in Canada. With just over one million votes counted, or one-third of eligible voters, about 76 per cent voted for the province to stay in Canada. About 24 per cent voted for a second, binding referendum on leaving the country. The count follows a day of voting, as crowds gathered at watch parties. LIVE: Real-time data. Interactive maps. Every question. Every result. Let Alberta Decide Flags fly at rally for Alberta independence on Saturday in Edmonton.

Albertans have voted to reject a referendum on separation. With just over one million votes counted in early returns, about 76 per cent voted for the province to stay in Canada. About 24 per cent voted to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving the country. The million votes represent about one-third of all eligible voters. The referendum was called earlier this year by Premier Danielle Smith. Smith said simmering discontent with federal policies had sparked sharp debate in Alberta on separation that could only be resolved through a referendum. This is a breaking story. More to come... EDMONTON — Early returns late Monday showed Albertans voting strongly to stay in Canada. With just over one million votes counted, or one-third of eligible voters, about 76 per cent voted for the province to stay in Canada. About 24 per cent voted for a second, binding referendum on leaving the country. The count follows a day of voting, as crowds gathered at watch parties. LIVE: Real-time data. Interactive maps. Every question. Every result. Let Alberta Decide Flags fly at rally for Alberta independence on Saturday in Edmonton.

Trade WarUpdated: October 20, 2026 at 1:29a.m. EDTPublished: October 19, 2026 at 7:00a.m. EDTThe majority of Albertans support staying in Canada rather than to pursue a referendum to separate from the rest of the country, CTV News projects. LIVE: Real-time data. Interactive maps. Every question. Every result. In a historic vote that saw the oil-rich province put the question of separation to the public, a total of 76.4 per cent of voters think Alberta should stay in Canada, while 23.6 per cent voted to pursue a binding referendum on whether the province should separate. The latest results, developments and analysis. Sort byAlbertans vote to remain in Canada, CTV News projectsThe majority of Albertans have voted to remain in Canada, CTV News projects. Just over 76 per cent of Albertans have voted to remain while 23.6 per cent have voted to have a second separation referendum. A final tally will be announced by 4 a.m. MT. Other 9 questions split so farWhile Elections Alberta is unofficially reporting a landslide of support for Option 1 on Question 10, results for the other nine questions are so far split.

Trade WarUpdated: October 20, 2026 at 12:55a.m. EDTPublished: October 19, 2026 at 7:00a.m. EDTAll but one polling station in Alberta’s referendum is closed. Once the final vote is cast, both the province and the rest of the country will await the results of Monday’s referendum as Albertans decide the province’s future within Canada. The referendum features 10 questions. The first five focus on immigration and newcomers’ access to health care, education and citizenship. The next four deal with Alberta’s constitutional authority and the province’s role within Canada’s judicial system. LIVE: Real-time data. Interactive maps. Every question. Every result. The final and most closely watched question asks voters whether Alberta should remain in Canada or move toward a second, binding referendum on separation. Results for Question 10, the separation question, are expected to be reported between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. MT Tuesday, according to Elections Alberta. The latest results, developments and analysis.