Siksika Nation says ballot shortage caused delays in Alberta referendum
About three in four Albertans voted to stay in Confederation in Monday's referendum, while roughly one in four backed holding a second, binding separation vote.
Why it matters
The reported ballot shortages raise questions about whether Indigenous voters had equal access to participate in a provincewide referendum on Alberta's future.
First Nations communities in Alberta say they are pleased with the outcome of Monday's referendum but are raising concerns about how Elections Alberta handled voting on reserves. Siksika Nation said its polling station was understaffed and did not receive enough ballots, leading to long wait times and what it called unnecessary obstacles for voters.
In the referendum, about three in four Albertans voted in favour of remaining in Confederation, while about one in four supported holding a second, binding referendum on provincial separation.
Tania Cameron, who worked to boost First Nations turnout for the vote, said she was proud that several First Nations polling stations had to request additional ballots, showing strong participation. But she said Elections Alberta should have anticipated the demand and been better prepared.
Cameron said the ballot shortage felt like a slap in the face to community members who had turned out to make their voices heard.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.