More than 11 times as many requests for special voting ballots have been received in Alberta ahead of the October 19 referendum, according to provincial officials. The surge in demand has raised concerns about potential shortages of voting materials and staff. The province is currently preparing for the referendum, which will allow voters to cast ballots outside of regular polling hours.
Officials have noted that the increased requests are likely due to the unique nature of the referendum, which includes special voting arrangements for remote and rural areas. The province has not yet confirmed whether it will need to hire additional election officers to manage the expected higher turnout.
The referendum, which focuses on key policy issues, is expected to see a significant portion of voters requesting special ballots. This includes individuals living in remote communities, those with mobility issues, and others who cannot vote at traditional polling stations.
The situation highlights the logistical challenges of managing a large-scale election in a vast and geographically diverse province. Officials are working to ensure that all voters have access to the necessary resources to cast their ballots.
