On October 19, Albertans will vote on 10 important questions that could influence the future of Alberta communities, families, public services, and provincial priorities.
The YWCAs of Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, and Lethbridge are asking one simple question: Are you referendum ready? Together, we’re encouraging Albertans, especially women, to learn about the issues, make a voting plan, and cast their ballot.
With several questions on the ballot and longer-than-usual wait times expected at polling stations, being prepared is crucial. Planning ahead helps make voting easier and ensures every voter can participate. The outcomes of this vote will directly affect nonprofit service delivery, workforce, and funding. Many nonprofits, including YWCAs, serve newcomer populations, deliver provincially funded programs, and operate in areas where federal-provincial jurisdiction intersects with the services we provide.
Women Have Powerful Voices
For generations, women have fought for the right to have a say in the decisions shaping their lives, families, and communities. This year marks 110 years since the first women in Alberta won the right to vote in 1916, after years of campaigning by advocates including Nellie McClung.
A decade later, McClung and the rest of the Famous Five launched the 1927 Persons Case to ensure women were legally recognized as “persons” in Canada. (Asian and Indigenous women would be excluded for decades more.)
Today, voting remains one of the most important ways women can influence policies that affect:
- Families
- Health and well-being
- Communities
- Education
- Economic opportunities
- Gender equity
As Nellie McClung once said, “I am a believer in women, in their ability to do things and in their influence and power.” Every generation since has benefited from women who exercised their right to vote, and participation helps build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Whether you’ve voted many times before, have just turned 18, or just got your Canadian citizenship and this is your first vote, your voice has a place in Alberta’s future.
Make Your Voting Plan
Remember that K-12 schools across the province will be closed on referendum election day, October 19. For parents and guardians of school-age children, making a voting plan also means thinking ahead about childcare.
According to Statistics Canada in 2023, women, on average, spend eight more hours per week caring for children than men. This leaves many women with less time to get to the polls on referendum day. But every vote matters, and the YWCAs of Alberta believe every parent and guardian deserves the opportunity to participate.
Planning ahead can help make voting more accessible for parents and caregivers:
- Vote early. Advance polls run Tuesday, October 13 to Saturday, October 17, including weekday options while kids are in school.
- Make it a teachable moment. Take your kids with you to the polls and show them what good citizenship looks like in action.
- Tag team. Coordinate with friends, family, or other parents and guardians ahead of time about supporting one another on referendum day, so everyone gets the chance to cast their ballot.
No one should have to choose between caregiving responsibilities and civic participation.
Do Your Research
Complex wording on the referendum ballot may be confusing; stay aware and ready. Not only are there more questions to consider and ballots to complete, but the wording may also puzzle some voters reading them for the first time.
Here’s what’s on the ballot:
- Questions 1–5 deal with immigration issues and ask whether voters support various policies the province could adopt. These questions are non-binding, meaning the government is not legally required to pursue these changes.
- Questions 6–9 are binding, meaning that the government will be legally required to address constitutional issues, including judicial appointments, the Senate, federally funded programs, and areas where federal and provincial jurisdiction overlap.
- Question 10 is different. It is non-binding and asks voters to choose between Alberta remaining a province of Canada or the Government of Alberta beginning the legal process required to hold a binding referendum on separation.
In the coming days, visit Elections Alberta online to review what’s on the ballot. Elections Alberta staff at polling stations can’t clarify what each question means, so study them ahead of time.
Before you vote:
- Read all 10 questions
- Make sure your information comes from credible sources
- Make your own informed choices
Do your research, but beware of false and misleading information, especially online. Knowing in advance how you will mark each ballot helps you make an informed decision and saves time at the polls on October 19.
Community Impact Matters
Every referendum question will affect Albertans differently, and taking time to learn about the questions before voting can help you make thoughtful decisions that reflect the broader impact on our communities.
Our decisions have a ripple effect. As you review the ballot, ask yourself: How might my referendum vote affect the people around me?
- Your child’s teacher
- Your co-workers or employees
- Friends and family members
- Neighbours
- Community service providers
- Seniors and caregivers
- Newcomers to Alberta
Strong communities are built on looking beyond ourselves and considering others’ perspectives and experiences, to create a sense of belonging, connection, and support.
Be Referendum Ready
The YWCAs of Alberta are united in the belief that participating in our democracy is pivotal to shaping our province’s future. To be referendum ready, learn about the issues, make a voting plan, and cast your ballot.
Mark your calendar: Advance polls run October 13 to 17, and referendum election day is Monday, October 19.
Our voices matter. Make sure yours is heard on October 19.