A provincial referendum will take place in Alberta on October 19, 2026. As referendum signs appear throughout Red Deer, residents may have questions about where signs can be placed, why The City's usual election sign rules are different for this referendum and what to do if there is a concern about a sign.
What residents need to know
- The City of Red Deer is neutral on the provincial referendum. The presence of referendum signs in the community does not indicate support or opposition by The City, City Council or City staff.
- Provincial legislation governs referendum signage. Changes to Alberta's Election Act limit municipalities' ability to regulate provincial election and referendum signs through local bylaws or resolutions.
- The City's role is focused on public safety and municipal operations. The City may take action when the location or condition of a sign creates a safety concern or interferes with City infrastructure, construction, maintenance or operations.
- Signs are treated consistently regardless of the position they express. Any action taken by The City is based on the location or physical condition of a sign, not its message.
Why are the rules different for this referendum?
In 2025, the Province of Alberta changed the rules governing provincial election signs and advertising through Bill 54, the Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2025.
These changes mean municipalities, including The City of Red Deer, cannot use local election sign bylaws or resolutions to regulate signage associated with the provincial referendum in the way they may have in the past.
The October 19 referendum is being conducted under Alberta's Referendum Act. The Election Act and applicable provincial election rules also apply to the referendum.
Does allowing referendum signs mean The City supports the message?
No.
The City of Red Deer is neutral on the provincial referendum. A referendum sign appearing on public or private property within Red Deer does not indicate that The City, City Council or City staff support or oppose the position expressed on the sign.
Different individuals and organizations may express their views on the referendum in accordance with provincial requirements.
Where can referendum signs be placed?
People placing referendum signs are encouraged to do so safely and responsibly.
Private property, with the property owner's permission, is generally the simplest option.
For signs placed in public areas, consider locations that do not interfere with traffic, pedestrians, accessibility, infrastructure or City operations. As a best practice:
- keep signs away from intersections and driver sightlines
- do not block sidewalks, pathways or accessibility routes
- do not obstruct traffic signs, signals or other traffic-control devices
- avoid active or planned construction areas
- avoid locations where City crews require access for maintenance or operations
- do not attach signs to City infrastructure, traffic signs, trees or other City assets
- contact Utility Safety Partners before installing anything that requires stakes or digging
- remove signs promptly following the referendum
The City has also identified locations historically used for election signage that may provide reasonable options for people looking to place referendum signs responsibly. See: Election Sign Placement Guide
Different requirements apply along provincial highways. Refer to the Government of Alberta's election sign guidelines before placing signs within a provincial highway right-of-way.
When might The City remove or relocate a sign?
The City may take action when a sign creates a legitimate public safety or operational concern.
Examples could include a sign that:
- blocks or significantly affects a driver's sightline
- interferes with a traffic-control device
- obstructs a sidewalk, pathway or accessibility route
- interferes with City infrastructure or equipment
- creates an immediate safety hazard
- conflicts with an active or planned construction area
- prevents City crews from safely completing maintenance or other work
Any action is based on safety, location or operational needs, not the position expressed on the sign.
What happens if a sign is vandalized, damaged or stolen?
Theft, vandalism and deliberate damage may be police matters and should be reported as appropriate.
If a damaged sign on City property creates a safety or maintenance concern, The City may remove it. For example, a sign may need to be removed if it has fallen, become unstable, is breaking apart, has exposed stakes or sharp edges, or is creating windblown debris.
If damage is cosmetic only, such as graffiti, stickers or other markings that do not create a safety concern, The City would generally seek to notify the advertiser or sign owner and ask them to address the issue rather than remove the sign.
Residents should not remove, damage or relocate a sign because they disagree with its message.
When do signs need to come down?
Referendum signs are temporary and should be removed promptly following the October 19 referendum.
Specific provincial requirements can depend on where a sign is located. For example, provincial highway guidelines require election signs within provincial highway rights-of-way to be removed within three days following the vote.
Have a concern about a sign?
- For concerns about the location, condition or safety of a sign within Red Deer:
Report the concern to City of Red Deer Inspections & Licensing through reddeer.ca/reportaproblem. - For questions about referendum advertising, third-party advertisers or provincial referendum requirements: Contact Elections Alberta.
Learn more
For information about the October 19 referendum, voting, referendum questions and provincial referendum requirements, visit Elections Alberta.