Alberta voters are weighing whether to stay in Canada or ask the government to prepare for a later separation referendum, a vote on process that would not decide the province’s status.
Question 10 is one of 10 items on Alberta’s Oct. 19 ballot. Voters can choose to keep the province in Canada or direct the government to begin the constitutional process for a future binding referendum. Elections Alberta says the result is nonbinding, so a majority for the second option would not oblige the government to proceed or make Alberta independent.
Monday’s result would measure support for opening that process; a binding decision on separation would require a later referendum. EconoTimes has described the ballot as part of a wider dispute over provincial powers and energy policy in its earlier coverage of the legal process.
The Guardian reported that the campaign has exposed divisions, including among separatists. Elections Alberta has scheduled the official results announcement for Oct. 29.
