Alberta voters have delivered their verdict on Monday's referendum — and, according to a new exit poll, most of them are pleased with it. Research Co. released its Alberta exit poll on October 21, finding the result on Question 10 closely matched projections: roughly a three-to-one margin for the side wanting Alberta to remain a province of Canada over the side seeking a later binding referendum on separation.
Nearly four in five Albertans who cast a ballot (78 per cent) said they were happy with the outcome — a clear win for "Alberta should remain a province in Canada." A majority of referendum voters (69 per cent) would also have been happy with a close win for Remain, while fewer than a third would have enthusiastically welcomed either a close win (30 per cent) or a clear win (28 per cent) for the "New Referendum" side.
Trust in the process was broadly solid but divided by how people voted. More than three in five voters (64 per cent) expressed full confidence in Elections Alberta to oversee the entire process; among those who voted to start the process toward a binding independence vote, trust stood at 51 per cent. Almost three in five voters overall (59 per cent) said they were convinced foreign governments attempted to influence this year's referendum — 62 per cent of Remain voters and 56 per cent of New Referendum supporters.
The poll also rated the campaigns: Forever Canadian (66 per cent), Vote to Stay (60 per cent) and Lead, Not Leave (55 per cent) were described as very or moderately positive by majorities, ahead of the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations (46 per cent) and Alberta's Voice (44 per cent). Unofficial results showed about 76 per cent backing Remain, with official certification expected October 29.
