Elections Alberta says it has started sending out special ballots for this fall's referendum.
Director of elections operations Jennifer Maskoske told CBC News on Tuesday that 230,000 requests for special ballots have been made.
The number of requests so far is more than the triple the 59,589 special ballots requested for the 2023 provincial election, which itself more than doubled the number requested ahead of the 2019 election.
The ballots allow people to skip the polling stations and vote on all 10 questions by mail.
The ballots include a series of immigration and Constitution-related questions, as well as one on whether Alberta should hold a second, binding referendum on separating from Canada.
Unlike in previous years, there is no legislative requirement for an elector to provide a reason for the mail-ballot.
"There's no longer a reason to request a special ballot," Maskoske said in an interview with CBC's Edmonton AM.
Elections Alberta said all completed special ballot packages must be received by mail before 5 p.m. on Oct 16.
Electors voting by mail must sign a declaration and provide a copy of identification to prove their name and address as part of the package.
Returning offices will not accept special ballot packages.
Advance voting will also be available from Oct. 13 to 17.
