Alberta votes in independence referendum as polls show most want to stay in Canada
Monday's ballot asks whether to start the legal process towards a future binding vote on separation — plus nine other questions.
At a glance
- Albertans vote on Monday, October 19, 2026, on 10 referendum questions.
- The independence question asks whether to begin the legal process for a future binding referendum — not whether to leave immediately.
- Polls suggest about four in five Albertans want to remain in Canada.
- PM Mark Carney called a protest vote against Canada 'a dangerous bluff'; Premier Danielle Smith says she voted against secession.
Voters in Canada's oil-rich province of Alberta go to the polls on Monday, October 19, in a referendum that includes a question on independence.
What's actually being asked
Albertans face 10 questions. The independence question does not ask whether to leave Canada now. It asks whether to begin the legal process towards a future, binding referendum on separation. The other nine questions include limiting temporary residents' access to healthcare and education and allowing Alberta to choose its own judges.
Polls favour staying
Polls suggest about four in five Albertans want to remain part of Canada. Research by Viewpoint Alberta found that two-thirds of those voting yes want to send Ottawa a message rather than actually leave.
Prime Minister Mark Carney warned against that tactic, calling a vote against Canada "a dangerous bluff". Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she voted against secession in early voting on October 14 but urged a strong mandate on the other nine questions. Political scientist Jared Wesley of the University of Alberta said Smith called the referendum to manage pressure within her United Conservative Party.
What happens if 'no' wins
Separatist campaigner Cory Morgan of Pathway to Independence said he would respect the result but keep pushing for independence. Another political scientist compared the movement to Brexit campaigners, who kept going for decades after losing the UK's 1975 vote on Europe.
Results are expected after polls close on Monday evening, Alberta time — Tuesday morning in Pakistan and India.
Questions people are asking
Is Alberta leaving Canada?
Not immediately. Monday's question only asks whether to start the legal process towards a future binding referendum, and polls suggest a large majority want to stay.
What else is on Alberta's ballot?
Nine other questions, including limiting temporary residents' access to healthcare and education and letting Alberta choose its own judges.
How we verified this story
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