Elections Alberta is reaching out to experienced electoral staff nationwide for assistance during the upcoming October referendum. According to Elections Alberta spokesperson Maia Hanrahan, it is common for electoral management bodies (EMBs) to collaborate during election events by providing specialized expertise. The support will be crucial, particularly after the voting period, to ensure an accurate and efficient counting process.

Scheduled for October 19, the 2026 referendum in Alberta will include 10 questions, covering various topics such as immigration and constitutional issues. Elections BC and Elections Saskatchewan have both acknowledged receiving requests for support from Elections Alberta. Elections Canada is also considering providing assistance but has not yet confirmed any commitments.

Elections Alberta’s recruitment campaign has been successful, with over 30,000 applications received from Albertans. However, former chief electoral officer Lorne Gibson mentioned challenges in outsourcing staff due to limited resources and high costs associated with travel, accommodation, and salaries. Additionally, meeting eligibility requirements for election officers in Alberta, including residency, age, and criminal record checks, poses further difficulties.

Gibson raised concerns about potential distractions, such as the recent byelection in Calgary-Shaw, impacting the referendum preparations. Despite these challenges, Elections Alberta remains focused on recruiting the necessary workforce for a successful referendum process.