Alberta votes in referendum that has divided even separatists

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorAlbertans are voting in a referendum on whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding independence vote, and The Guardian says it has exposed deep divisions, not least among the separatists themselves.

2. 

   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorVoters get ten ballot papers, each a different colour, and the separation question is the last one they see.

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorCommunity groups told CBC News the ten questions are causing major confusion and frustration.

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorPolls have consistently shown about seventy percent of Albertans want to stay, with roughly a quarter backing an independent Alberta, according to Reuters.

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorA September survey of twelve hundred people suggests support has softened since spring.

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorPrime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith urged a no vote at a stop in Red Deer.

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorSmith says that if Albertans choose to remain, she will not call another separation referendum while she is premier.

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe question itself is mostly non-binding: a majority for separation would only direct the government to begin the legal process toward a later, binding vote.

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   Gloria Vance · World News AnchorFirst Nations groups have objected, because their treaties with Canada predate Alberta's entry into Confederation.

10. 

    Gloria Vance · World News AnchorElections Alberta says it will count the ballots by hand, and the separation question will be counted first.

11. 

    Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentTen ballots. That's a group chat nobody wanted to be added to.

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    Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorCounted by hand, too. Some poor soul is sorting ten colours at four in the morning.

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    Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentPens down on the pink one.

14. 

    Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe question they count first is the one they see last. That's democracy, Dale, and it's unserious only when you're involved.