Advance voting for the Alberta referendum kicked off Tuesday, and there’s been a massive turnout to vote at Spruce Meadows in Calgary with many voicing displeasure over accessibility supports.
Voter Darlene Ketchum told CityNews, “there’s a lot of hill climbing. I already did almost fall twice when i came the first time…if there was handicap parking closer, or places to sit, that would’ve been friendlier. ”
Aside from a small number of handicap spaces, Ketchum says its unreasonable to expect people with disabilities to wait in such a long line. After making a few calls she learned that Elections Alberta offers curbside voting in these situations.
“Because apparently people with disabilities can have someone come out to their vehicle and they can vote there. There’s nothing posted. People are struggling. This is absolutely unbelievable,” Ketchum said.
Another voter says if he hadn’t stumbled upon learning about curbside voting he would have returned home without casting his ballot.
But some never learned of the support and waited in a long line.
“It (was) difficult for my father with a walker. He’s 92 years old and feels strongly about voting today, so they need to make it more accessible for all people coming to vote,” said a woman CityNews spoke with.
Many were frustrated with the lack of available information concerning curbside voting with no mention of the service on the Elections Alberta website.
In a statement to CityNews Elections Alberta says, “curbside voting is also available for electors who are unable to enter a voting place due to disability,” adding that the person providing transportation needs to notify the site supervisor if they require this assistance.
A voting sign to be used for the 2026 Alberta Referendum in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/James Maclennan The Canadian Press
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