Shadow Referendum Q8: Should provinces be able to opt out of federal programs without losing funding?
Official Question 8 on Alberta's October 19, 2026 referendum ballot reads: "Do you support the Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to allow provinces to opt out of federal programs that intrude on provincial jurisdiction such as health care, education and social services, without a province losing any of the associated federal funding for use in its social programs?" This proposal mirrors the official ballot question. Supporters argue provinces know their own priorities and should direct the funds. Opponents argue opt-outs with full compensation would fragment national programs. Vote Support for Yes, Oppose for No — exactly as you would on the official ballot.
HOW THIS WAS COUNTED
Who could voteVerified people in Alberta
This question is for people who verified a government ID through Didit, our verification partner, with Alberta as the region on their ID.
BallotsOne ballot per verified person
One verified person, one account, one ballot. A ballot can't be changed once it's cast.
CountingBallots are counted in batches of at least 10, and the last ones when voting closes.
The totals change in steps. Results are published as totals.
TotalsAfter you vote, and for everyone at close
Anyone can see how many ballots were cast. After you vote, you see the totals counted so far, and once voting closes, everyone can see them.
Your ballotCheck that it's in the count
When you vote here, you get a check code to keep. Use it to see whether your ballot is waiting to be counted, in the count, or in the final count. It does not show how you voted. Check a ballot
What Represent can seeRepresent can still link a ballot to the person who cast it
It's not a secret ballot yet. We're building one.