The Alberta referendum had Ryan expecting a voting room thick with tension. His account offers a different picture of showing up, one worth hearing if the argument around a vote has made the act itself feel uncomfortable.

Confidence in the result isn't the same as a result. Warnings attributed to Jason Kenney and David Cameron put turnout at the center of the conversation. What happens when people who feel certain decide their own ballot won't make a difference?

Ten ballots, an address change and a very memorable goodbye: this visit had more to it than checking boxes. Hear what shifted Ryan's mood, why one election worker made a particular impression, and how a serious conversation about belonging ends with a clarification about exactly what kind of poll work he means.

Topics: Alberta referendum, voter turnout, voting experience, Calgary, Canadian unity

Originally aired on 2026-10-14