Your 2026 Referendum Vote Kit
Everything your nonprofit needs to show up for this referendum, minus the guesswork.
On October 19, Albertans head to the polls to answer 10 referendum questions from the Government of Alberta. That’s 10 ballots covering everything from immigration and the Canadian Constitution to whether Alberta stays part of Canada. Big questions deserve a well-prepared sector.
That’s where this kit comes in. Whether you’re figuring out what your organization is allowed to say, looking for context on what the questions mean, or trying to get your team to get out and vote - you’re in the right place.
This kit is nonpartisan, judgement-free, and built for busy nonprofit people.
From the Government of Alberta
What's all this about a referendum?
Referendum (noun, plural: referenda)
A direct public vote on a policy issue.
The Government of Alberta created all 10 questions on the ballot. Curious to know more? Hear it straight from the source.
Visit the Government's WebsiteWhat these questions mean for the sector
Why should nonprofits care?
Because these questions don't stay theoretical — they touch the people and communities we serve.
The Nonprofit Chamber has done the digging so you don't have to, breaking down each referendum question with the nonprofit sector in mind.
Learn more about the questionsRules for your advocacy
Can my nonprofit talk about the referendum?
Yep. Here's digestible resources to help you get out the vote and stay on side.
All your questions answered
What do I need to know to vote?
There are three different ways Albertans can vote.
- In person (see 'When do I vote? for exact days)'
- By mail (special ballot, request by September 25)
- By mobile voting for clients of designated community support centres — see Mobile Voting for more on this option.
The Elections Alberta site walks you through the voting process for each option — learn more here.
10 questions, 10 separate (numbered and coloured) ballots.
- Advance polls: October 13–17 at select polls
- Election Day: October 19
- Special (mail-in) ballot: request before September 25 and return it via mail to Edmonton by October 16
Since there are 10 separate ballots, experts have advised this voting experience may take longer than usual, so it may be wise to plan for additional time in lines and during the vote itself.
The Election Act requires employers to provide employees with time off to vote during days of advance voting or on Election Day. Make sure to plan ahead with your employer and/or your staff to make the necessary arrangements. Learn more about time off here.
You must vote in your electoral division, or vote by special ballot.
Electors will begin receiving where-to-vote cards in the mail from Elections Alberta on September 24. You can also find your poll on the Elections Alberta website after September 21.
Canadian citizens, ordinarily resident in Alberta, and 18 years of age or older. Ex-pats and former Alberta residents are not eligible to vote. Students studying outside of Alberta are eligible to vote, as long as they intend to return home to Alberta.
Learn more at Elections Alberta.
Voters have three options for identification:
- One piece of government-issued photo ID with your full name, current residential address, and photo
- Two pieces of ID which have your full name and at least one of which shows your current physical address
- A signed attestation form (for specific elector circumstances only)
Learn more at Elections Alberta.
And stick to it!
Make a vote plan
In Alberta's last referendum, only about 39% of registered voters participated — meaning most people who could vote, didn't.
Here's the good news: making a plan closes that gap. People who decide when, where, and how they'll vote — not just that they intend to — are significantly more likely to actually follow through.
Print the worksheet for your office to help others make a vote plan.
Download the vote plan card
Resources to get out the vote
Get your people to the polls
You don't always need a megaphone — sometimes a nudge is enough.
Learn about the questions
The Nonprofit Chamber has created a quick, easy-to-share reference guide to the 10 questions.
Share this vote kit
It's built to be a nonpartisan resource anyone can pass along.
Host an election party
This is for you, policy nerds. Host a dinner to talk about the referendum — the referendum guide includes conversation prompts.
Display the tent card
Download it, print it, prop it on your desk. Simply point to it when folks sit down across from you.
Use the social graphics
Share on your org's channels to help your community make their plan.
This kit is a nonpartisan resource from Nonprofits Vote. Questions? Reach us at info@nonprofitsvote.org