Smith says voters’ ability to fix errors in mail-in ballot packages sign system works

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the fact the provincial election authority is helping voters correct errors in about 3,000 mail-in ballot packages shows the system is working.

It comes after Elections Alberta announced those ballot packages were returned with either declaration forms missing or with other errors.

Smith says the ability for electors to correct the necessary documents in time for their vote to be counted is a sign it’s being properly managed.

Albertans are to vote on a series of questions on Oct. 19, including whether to stay in Canada or begin the process to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation.

Elections Alberta says the problematic ballots represent just over one per cent of the 250,000 they’ve received back from Albertans so far. 

They say they’ve contacted those whose packages had problems and are helping them make the necessary fixes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2026.

By Lisa Johnson | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.