There has been some confusion over a posting on X where a B.C. resident said, “I just registered. I’m from BC; they didn’t ask me anything. Only clicked a box that I’m a Canadian citizen.” She added, “No verification of Alberta residents, and they will mail the ballot anywhere.”

She had gone through the online process to request a mail-in ballot package with Elections Alberta successfully. This doesn’t mean she will be able to vote in the referendum, though. It only means she requested the package.

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The reason that special ballots can be mailed to addresses outside the province is so Albertans who may be working out of province may vote. It does not mean or allow non-citizens to vote.

When returning the completed package, a person must provide proof that they regularly reside in Alberta through a photocopy of their driver’s license or a combination of other documents proving residency. Those will be compared with voter lists and checked off before the sealed inner envelope with the referendum votes is accepted. The name will then be marked as having voted so the person can’t vote in advance polls or on referendum day.

There are valid concerns about the massive volume of special ballot requests and how well Elections Alberta can manage them securely and effectively. With over 600,000 packages requested, people are becoming worried. It's unprecedented ground the province is wading into.

The ability to order a ballot package from outside of the province does not mean that people who don’t reside in Alberta can vote, though, and there are checks against people doing that in place.

Scrutineers will be present when ballots are officially opened for the counts.