Elections Alberta has apologised after mailed special ballot packages included a leftover declaration that prompted confusion and alarm among voters ahead of an Oct. 19 provincial vote.
What went wrong
In an email to electors on Saturday, the agency said the offending sentence — which tells voters to declare they are "unable to vote at an advance voting place or a voting place on Election Day" and references penalties for false declarations — is carryover wording from an earlier version of the Election Act.
"Special ballot packages that were sent by mail include a declaration that electors using this voting method are required to sign and return in their special ballot package. It contains a line ‘I declare that I am unable to vote at an advance voting place or a voting place on Election Day’ that is causing concern and confusion for electors," Elections Alberta wrote.
The agency told voters the line should be crossed out and that the remainder of the form should be completed. It added the language was not present in ballot packages collected in person.
Scale and context
Elections Alberta said it has received more than 290,000 requests for special mail-in ballots — nearly five times the number requested in the 2023 provincial election. The spike comes as debate over the province’s future intensifies and with a referendum on the ballot.
The agency also said it is expecting an elevated turnout for the referendum, citing expectations of around 85 per cent participation. The combination of high demand for special ballots and the mistaken wording has amplified scrutiny of the organization’s processes at a sensitive moment.
Voters report missing items, further concerns
Some electors reported incomplete packages. Donna Ogston told media she received nine ballots but said the package was missing the 10th referendum question, which relates to Alberta separation.
Elections Alberta stressed that all ballots returned in completed special ballot packages will be accepted, regardless of how they are folded. The agency offered a contact line — 1.877.422.VOTE (8683) — for anyone seeking assistance or a replacement package.
- More than 290,000 special ballot requests received.
- Agency instructs electors to cross out the outdated declaration language.
- All completed special ballots will be accepted irrespective of folding method.
Election official response
Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Dallas Stoesz addressed the issue in an interview with CTV Calgary earlier in the week and Elections Alberta followed with its written apology Saturday. The agency characterised the inclusion of the sentence as an administrative error tied to legacy legislation.
Officials emphasised the mistake did not affect packages handed out in person and reiterated the integrity of returned special ballots so long as the rest of the form is properly completed.
Practical guidance for voters
Voters who receive a mailed special ballot package should:
- Inspect the declaration line. If the problematic sentence appears, cross it out as instructed by Elections Alberta.
- Complete the remainder of the form and follow the return instructions enclosed.
- Call 1.877.422.VOTE (8683) to request a replacement package or for help resolving any missing items.
| Issue | What Elections Alberta says |
|---|---|
| Misleading declaration wording | Carryover language from a previous Election Act; cross it out and complete form |
| Missing referendum question reports | Electors should contact Elections Alberta for replacements |
| Acceptance of returned ballots | All completed special ballots will be accepted regardless of folding |
The mailings come as Albertans prepare to decide whether to remain within Canada or to pursue separation, a question that has driven a surge in interest in mail-in voting. The error underlines the logistical challenges of administering a high-stakes vote under compressed timelines and heightened public attention.
For voters, the immediate priority is clear: follow Elections Alberta’s instructions, seek a replacement if documents are missing, and ensure completed special ballots are returned on time.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor developments and report on any further corrections or guidance issued by Elections Alberta as the Oct. 19 referendum approaches.
