Alberta’s referendum draws 174K ballots in the 1st day of advance polls

More than 174,500 Albertans cast their ballots in the province’s referendum on the first day of advance polls Monday, as both separatist and pro-Canada groups focus on getting their supporters out in a campaign where experts say turnout will be critical.

Elections Alberta said Tuesday that a total of 174,532 people voted on the first of five advance polling days ahead of the Oct. 19 vote. For context, advanced polls in the 2023 provincial general election saw an average of 151,727 Albertans vote per day.

With the roughly 418,000 mail-in ballots already approved by Elections Alberta, early turnout for the Oct. 19 referendum — which includes a question on whether the province should begin the process to hold a vote on separating from Canada — looks to be strong.