Elections Alberta is seeking support from experienced electoral staff nationwide to assist during the upcoming October referendum. According to Elections Alberta spokesperson Maia Hanrahan, it is customary for electoral management bodies to collaborate and provide specialized expertise for significant election events. Additional expert resources will be required post-voting to ensure a smooth 48-hour continuous count process.
The referendum, scheduled for October 19, will pose 10 questions to Albertans, covering various issues including the province’s relationship with Canada and immigration matters. Elections BC and Elections Saskatchewan have both confirmed receiving requests from Elections Alberta for assistance. Elections Canada is also evaluating a support request from Elections Alberta but has not made any commitments yet.
Elections Saskatchewan has offered staff support to assist Alberta in conducting the referendum. Chief Electoral Officer Michael Boda mentioned that participating in electoral events in other provinces provides valuable experience and skill development for their team. Elections Alberta’s recruitment efforts have been successful so far, with over 30,000 applications received from Albertans.
Former Alberta Chief Electoral Officer Lorne Gibson highlighted challenges in seeking support from EMB workers outside Alberta due to limited resources and high costs associated with employing individuals from other jurisdictions. He also pointed out eligibility requirements for election officers in Alberta, emphasizing the need for individuals who can uphold a non-partisan mandate during the referendum.
Gibson expressed concerns about potential distractions, such as the upcoming byelection in Calgary-Shaw, which could impact the referendum preparation process. Despite the challenges, Elections Alberta remains focused on recruiting 60,000 electoral workers and ensuring a successful referendum in October.
