Alberta Votes in Historic Referendum on Separation from Canada

Albertans are voting today in a historic referendum that will determine whether the province should begin a legal process and formal voting on separating from Canada in the future.

Around 1.3 million Albertans have already cast their ballots through mail-in voting or advance polls. Premier Danielle Smith has voted in favour of Alberta remaining part of Canada.

The ballot paper contains 10 questions. Nine relate to immigration, constitutional issues and demands for greater provincial powers from the federal government, while the 10th concerns separation from Canada.

Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Calgary and Edmonton, urging Albertans to preserve the country's unity and reject the referendum questions.

Vote counting will begin after polling stations close at 8 p.m. today, with clear results expected by early Tuesday morning.