Elections Alberta says a massive hiring effort for the fall referendum on the province’s place in Canada is to get underway early next month.
The agency has said between 60,000 and 90,000 elections officers will be needed to hand count the votes, which provincial law dictates must be done within 48 hours after polling stations close.
Elections Alberta said Friday that hiring is to begin June 8 and that it’s expecting Albertans to help out.
“Elections officers are critical to successfully delivering this important event, and we are counting on Albertans to step forward in service,” the agency said.
They added, all positions are paid and most are open to those over 16 who pass a criminal record check.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery’s office said it’s confident Elections Alberta will be able to recruit the necessary number of staff.
“We encourage those interested to apply through Elections Alberta,” it said in a statement.
Premier Danielle Smith announced last week that Albertans will be asked on Oct. 19 whether they want to remain in Canada or hold a second binding vote on the province going its own way.
It will be the first of 10 questions Albertans on the referendum. The other nine, put forward by Smith, cover immigration and constitutional reform.
Elections Alberta said each question will be on its own colour-coded ballot, and it expects to need 34 million ballot sheets. The vote will be like a general election, with options for advanced voting and mail-in ballots.
Like a general election, voting will be limited to Alberta residents who are Canadian citizens and are 18 or older. Students studying outside of Alberta but who plan to return to the province are also eligible.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2026.