What the Upcoming Alberta Referendum Means for Students
You may be asking, "How does this affect me as a student?" Decisions made at the provincial level can affect education funding, healthcare, employment opportunities, public services, and programs that support students and their families. Staying informed and participating in the voting process is one way to ensure student voices are part of these conversations.
What's Being Voted On?
Immigration Control
Should Alberta take increased control over immigration to decrease it to more sustainable levels, prioritize economic migration, and give Albertans priority over new jobs.
Who qualifies for provincially funded services
Should only citizens, permanent residents, and people with Alberta-approved immigration status qualify for provincially funded social services, health care and education.
12 month qualifying period
Should non-permanent residents have to live in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincially-funded social support programs.
A fee for health care and education
Should Alberta charge non-permanent residents and their families a reasonable fee or premium to access health care and education.
Proof of citizenship to vote
Should voters have to show a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship to vote in Alberta elections.
Judges
Should Alberta work with other provinces to amend the constitution, so provincial governments, not the federal government, select judges for provincial courts.
Abolishing the Senate
Should Alberta work with other provinces to abolish the unelected federal Senate entirely.
Opting out of Federal programs
Should provinces be able to opt out of federal programs that touch provincial jurisdiction, like health or education funding, without losing the federal money tied to those programs.
Overriding of law
Should provincial law automatically override federal law whenever the two conflict in areas of shared jurisdiction.
Alberta separating from Canada
Should Alberta remain a province, or should the Alberta government begin the legal process toward a second, binding referendum on separating from Canada.
Why Should Students Care?
The decisions made through this referendum could have long-term impacts on issues that matter to students, such as:
Access to education and public services
Employment opportunities after graduation
Immigration policies that affect international students and newcomers
The future direction of Alberta's economy and government
Important Referendum Dates
October 13-17
Advance voting days. If you can't vote on election day, this is a great opportunity to cast your ballot early.
October 16
Mail-in ballots must be received by Elections Alberta.
October 19
Referendum Day. Vote in person at your assigned voting location.
How to Prepare Before Voting Day
Check Your Registration
Make sure you're registered to vote and that your information is up to date.
Know Your Voting Location
Not sure where to vote? Find your assigned voting station using the Elections Alberta voter lookup tool: https://www.elections.ab.ca/current-election-information/where-do-i-vote/
Review the Questions
Take some time to learn about the referendum questions before heading to the polls so you can make an informed decision.
Bring Acceptable Identification
Be sure to have the required identification with you when voting. Check Elections Alberta's website for a list of accepted ID options.
To be eligible to vote, you must be:
a Canadian citizen,
at least 18 years of age on Election Day, and
a resident of Alberta.
Mark your calendar for October 19, 2026, and make your voice count.
For official information on voting, referendum questions, voter ID requirements, and polling locations, visit Elections Alberta at: https://www.elections.ab.ca/
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