Elections Alberta is reaching out to experienced electoral staff nationwide to assist in the upcoming October referendum. This collaborative effort among electoral management bodies (EMBs) is a common practice during major election events, according to Elections Alberta spokesperson Maia Hanrahan.
The specialized expertise of senior EMB staff will be crucial, particularly for the 48-hour continuous count following the voting period. This additional support from other EMBs will complement the core Elections Alberta team’s efforts, especially during intense operational phases.
Scheduled for October 19, the 2026 referendum in Alberta will include 10 questions covering various topics such as immigration and constitutional matters. Elections BC and Elections Saskatchewan have confirmed receiving requests for assistance from Elections Alberta and are currently evaluating how they can support the referendum operations.
Elections Canada has also been approached by Elections Alberta for potential assistance. While considering various options to aid in recruitment efforts, Elections Canada clarified that any involvement would solely focus on providing personnel under Elections Alberta’s direction without influencing the referendum process.
Elections Saskatchewan expressed willingness to offer staff support as part of their collaboration with Elections Alberta. This mutual assistance not only strengthens relationships among election administrators but also provides valuable professional development opportunities for staff members.
Elections Alberta’s recruitment campaign has been successful, with over 30,000 applications received from Albertans. However, former chief electoral officer Lorne Gibson highlighted challenges in relying on external EMB workers due to limited resources and higher associated costs.
Moreover, Gibson emphasized the eligibility criteria for election officers in Alberta, including residency requirements, age restrictions, criminal record checks, and a commitment to non-partisanship. The ongoing byelection in Calgary-Shaw could pose additional complexities as Alberta prepares for the significant referendum event.