Alberta separatists expect a win, regardless of numbers that say otherwise, poll suggests
A new poll indicates that while most Albertans intend to vote to remain in Canada, separatist supporters hold inflated expectations of a victory. Political experts warn that this disconnect could lead to post-referendum instability and distrust in democratic outcomes.
Why it matters
Highlights the risks of political polarization and the potential for social unrest when expectations diverge significantly from polling data.
And that mismatch of expectations has consequences for what comes next — including the likelihood that Albertans shouldn’t expect this issue to be put to rest with this one vote, say the pollster and a political scientist.
Abacus Data CEO David Coletto presented the results of the new poll, done during the first week of September, to CBC’s West of Centre on Friday.
On Oct. 19, Albertans will vote on a question with two choices: Option 1 is to stay in Canada, while Option 2 supports commencing the legal process to hold a binding referendum on Alberta separation.
That ballot question will be in addition to nine others that focus on constitutional and immigration issues.
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