Albertans head to the polls today to weigh changes to immigration, access to public services and the balance of power between the provinces and Ottawa.

Nine yes-or-no questions ask voters for direction on those issues. A separate 10th question concerns whether Alberta should remain in Canada or begin the legal process toward a binding separation referendum.

Voting places are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must attend their assigned election-day location. Each question appears on its own numbered, colour-coded ballot.

The first question asks whether Alberta should seek greater immigration control, reduce immigration levels, favour economic immigration and give Albertans priority for new jobs.

Question 2 concerns eligibility for provincial services. It proposes limiting access to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people whose immigration status Alberta approves.

Question 3 proposes a 12-month Alberta residency requirement for people with temporary legal immigration status before they qualify for provincial social supports. The government says this covers benefits such as childcare subsidies and student aid, rather than standard health care and education.

Question 4 asks whether temporary residents should pay fees or premiums for their families’ use of public health care and education. It does not specify an amount. Citizens and permanent residents would retain their existing eligibility under Questions 3 and 4.

Question 5 asks whether voters should have to produce citizenship documentation in provincial elections, such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card. Canadian citizenship is already required to vote.

The remaining four questions concern proposed constitutional changes that Alberta would pursue with other willing provinces.

Question 6 asks whether provincial governments should select judges for their superior trial and appeal courts. In Alberta, that means the Court of King’s Bench and Court of Appeal. The federal government currently selects those judges.

Question 7 asks whether Alberta should work with other provinces to abolish the unelected Senate.

Question 8 concerns federal programs in areas of provincial responsibility, including health care, education and social services. It asks whether provinces should be able to withdraw from those programs while keeping the associated federal funding for their own social programs.

Question 9 asks whether provincial laws should take priority when they conflict with federal laws in areas of provincial or shared constitutional responsibility.

These four questions seek support for pursuing constitutional amendments. A favourable vote would not itself rewrite Canada’s Constitution.

Elections Alberta identifies the results of Questions 1 through 5 as non-binding. Voters can support or reject each proposal separately, rather than treating the nine questions as a single package.

Eligible voters must be Canadian citizens, at least 18 today and ordinarily resident in Alberta. Those who have not registered can do so at their assigned voting place.

Voters can check their location through Elections Alberta. Unofficial results will be released as counting proceeds, with the count required to finish within 48 hours after voting closes.