What to know regarding the October 19 Alberta referendum

The University of Calgary has a firm commitment to both institutional neutrality and free expression for our campus community, as set out in the university’s Statement on Free Expression. Consistent with these commitments, the university, as an institution, will maintain a position of neutrality on the provincial referendum and other political issues.

At the same time, the university recognizes the rights of students, faculty and staff to free expression, subject to limitations imposed by law and university policies and procedures, and to participate as individuals in the political process.

Community members who choose to engage in political activities should do so in accordance with the Partisan Political Activities Policy, including the requirement that such activities be undertaken on personal time and using personal resources.

Nothing in these policies or this guidance is intended to limit or interfere with academic freedom, nor does it preclude our scholars from engaging with referendum-related topics in the course of teaching and research. 

In this moment of significant public deliberation, the university is fulfilling its role as a public institution by convening discussion, serving as a source of evidence and insight, and creating space for thoughtful public discussion about the future of our province and country.

There are multiple options available to the UCalgary community to vote in the referendum:

Voting Day

• Every elector is assigned a voting location based on their place of residence Voter Eligibility and Ordinary Residence in Alberta – Elections Alberta.
• Voting places are open from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. on voting day. 

Advance Voting

• Advance voting takes place from Tues. Oct. 13 – Saturday Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Electors may choose to vote at any advance voting place in their electoral division. Where To Vote – Elections Alberta.

Vote by mail

• Anyone may vote by mail. Electors can apply for a special ballot before Sept. 25. Special ballots must be returned to Elections Alberta by Oct. 16 before 5 p.m. Request a Special Ballot – Elections Alberta.

For more information from Elections Alberta on how to vote, visit the website.

Additional information about the referendum can be found here.

Per the Election Act, UCalgary faculty and staff will be provided with time off to vote during one of the days of advance voting or on Oct. 19. Please consult with your supervisor on how this time off will work for your unit.