Alberta vote could begin process of leaving Canada

Voting began Monday in the western Canadian province of Alberta in a referendum that could set it on a path toward leaving the country, Anadolu Agency reported.

Polling stations opened at 9 a.m. local time (1500 GMT) and are due to close at 8 p.m. (0200 GMT Tuesday), Elections Alberta said. About 1.3 million residents have already cast ballots through special voting or advance polling.

The ballot contains 10 questions. The first nine concern immigration and constitutional matters.

The final question asks whether Alberta should remain in Canada or whether its government should begin preparing a second, legally binding vote on separation. It is the first time such a question has appeared on the province’s ballot.