Elections Alberta begins hiring for ‘colossal’ October referendum

United Conservative Party of Alberta confirms referendum question on separation.

Executing October’s referendum, which consists of 10 questions and will require 45 million ballots, will take more electoral workers than Alberta has ever needed before, the province’s elections agency said Monday as it launched a recruitment drive.

In order to have all ballots counted within the 48-hour deadline — a “colossal undertaking,” said chief electoral officer Gordon McClure — Elections Alberta needs at least 60,000 workers.

By comparison, 1.7 million ballots were cast in Alberta’s 2023 provincial general election and 19.8 million ballots were cast in Canada’s 2025 federal general election.

Elections Alberta hired 13,095 workers for the 2023 provincial election, which cost about $37 million.

For Quebec’s 1995 referendum on separatism, which saw 4.8 million voters weigh in, 57,000 workers were hired.

• READ ALSO: New opposition group fights against Alberta referendum questions

Albertans who are at least 16 years old and eligible to work in Canada are welcome to apply, although some positions can only be filled by adults. All hirees will need to pass a criminal history check and will not be allowed to participate in political activity during their employment.

“Working with us in the coming months provides a great opportunity for students, teams, community groups, and Albertans from all walks of life to get involved in the democratic process,” McClure said.

“I especially encourage rural Albertans to apply. Delivering a referendum of this scale will require dedicated election workers in every corner of our province.”

More information about the roles and application process is available online.

READ MORE:

• Poilievre to prescribe new policies as an antidote for Alberta separation sentiment
• Quebec Liberal Party says it has best plan to protect French language
• United Conservative Party celebrates its fundraising prowess at sold-out leader’s dinner in Calgary