Polls open in Alberta vote that could start process of leaving Canada

Voting began Monday in Canada's western Alberta province in a consequential referendum that could set it on a path toward leaving the country.

Elections Alberta said polling stations opened at 0900 AM local time (1500GMT) and will shut at 0800PM (0200GMT Tuesday). Roughly 1.3 million residents have already cast ballots through special voting or advance polling, the agency said.

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

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