Smith scores slim majority on immigration questions, Albertans reject constitutional changes
Alberta voters have approved several government-proposed questions regarding immigration, including requirements for proof of citizenship to vote. Premier Danielle Smith indicated the government will proceed with caution while adjusting provincial immigration policies.
Why it matters
The referendum results signal a shift in provincial sentiment toward immigration control and public service access in Alberta.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government asked citizens nine questions, outside the one related to separation, with all five immigration-related questions getting majority approval from voters.
Elections Alberta said in a Sunday afternoon statement that the count had been completed Saturday night, about three days later than the agency had aimed to complete the count and publish the results in order to meet the 48-hour deadline set under Alberta's referendum regulations.
Elections Alberta said it had hand-counted 20,574,612 ballots, which the agency said was the highest number of ballots ever counted by hand in any Canadian electoral event.
Results, including the number of Albertans who cast ballots, will be made official on Oct. 29.
The question with the highest “yes” vote share was Question 5 — requiring proof of citizenship to vote in provincial elections — which garnered 58 per cent support.
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