A voter leaves a polling station after casting their vote in the Alberta referendum in Calgary, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Updated October 20, 2026 @ 1:52am
Albertans have voted to reject a referendum on separation.
With just over one million votes counted in early returns, about 76 per cent voted for the province to stay in Canada.
About 24 per cent voted to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving the country.
The million votes represent about one-third of all eligible voters.
The referendum was called earlier this year by Premier Danielle Smith.
Smith said simmering discontent with federal policies had sparked sharp debate in Alberta on separation that could only be resolved through a referendum.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 202
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