Alberta judge dismisses NDP challenge to voter list restrictions ahead of referendum An Alberta judge has thrown out the Opposition NDP's court challenge to the government's restricted voter list rules, ruling the changes will not meaningfully undermine the integrity of the upcoming separation referendum. An Alberta judge has thrown out a court challenge filed by the Opposition NDP over restricted voter list rules introduced by the provincial government last month. The ruling also states that the judge agrees with the government that the restrictions will not meaningfully undermine the integrity of the upcoming separation referendum. The government's changes mean Elections Alberta can only provide political parties with the number of registered voters in each voting area and municipality, rather than full lists containing names, addresses and phone numbers.NDP Criticizes Voter List RestrictionsThe NDP had argued the new rules undermined the purpose of having voter lists and would harm the ability of referendum scrutineers to properly observe the ballot counting process on Oct. 19. Premier Danielle Smith criticized the NDP for challenging the changes in the first place, saying protecting voter information after a major privacy breach involving a separatist group earlier this year should be a non-partisan issue.A government spokesperson, Amery, said in a statement that the NDP cannot claim to stand for privacy one day and then fight voter privacy protections in court the next. The government's new regulation regarding voter information expires at the end of the year. The UCP government has said it intends to introduce legislation in the upcoming fall session to better protect information on the list.Government Frames Rules As Privacy NecessityThe legal battle unfolded as Alberta prepares for a separation referendum, with the NDP raising concerns that the temporary changes could compromise transparency. The government has framed the restrictions as a necessary response to a privacy breach linked to a separatist group earlier in the year. The court decision clears the way for the referendum to proceed under the current rules, though the regulation remains temporary. The government has committed to bringing forward permanent legislation in the fall session.Voters in Cremona, Alta. , leave a polling station after casting ballots in a 2025 byelection for the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills riding. The case has drawn attention to the balance between privacy protections and the ability of parties and scrutineers to verify results. The NDP has not said whether it will appeal the ruling.The referendum is scheduled for Oct. 19, and the voter list restrictions will remain in effect until the end of the year unless the legislature acts sooner.