The Town of Gibbons, Alberta, began manually tallying resident votes on June 25, 2026, in a binding referendum that will shape the community's governance and future.
Referendum details
The hand-counting process involves volunteers and town staff verifying each ballot under the supervision of election officials. The referendum asks residents whether the town should dissolve its municipal status and become a hamlet under Strathcona County, or remain an independent town with a new council structure.
According to Mayor Lisa Clark, the outcome will determine whether Gibbons can maintain local services or rely on the county for administration and infrastructure. “This is the most important vote in our town's history,” Clark said.
Why hand-counting?
The town opted for manual counting over electronic tabulators to ensure transparency and public trust. “Residents wanted to see every ballot handled openly,” said Chief Electoral Officer Mark Thompson. The process is expected to take several days due to the volume of ballots and the need for accuracy.
As of June 25, approximately 1,200 of the town's 1,800 eligible voters had cast ballots, representing a 67% turnout. Officials expect the final count to be completed by June 28.
Impact on Gibbons
If the dissolution vote passes, Gibbons would lose its town council and mayor, with Strathcona County assuming responsibility for services like roads, water, and waste management. Property taxes could change, and local bylaws would be replaced by county regulations.
Resident Sarah Mitchell said she voted in favor of dissolution because “the town can't afford to fix our aging water pipes.” Opponent John Kowalski argued that “handing over control means losing our community's voice.”
The referendum follows months of debate and a petition signed by over 500 residents. The Alberta government has approved the process and will certify the results.
