EDMONTON, Alberta — Alberta voters head to the polls Monday on a question that could set the province on a path toward a binding referendum on leaving Canada, though a “yes” vote would not make Alberta independent. Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged voters to participate, warning against a Brexit-style outcome and arguing that a decisive result is needed to settle the issue. The vote tests his government’s ability to maintain national unity as separatist sentiment remains part of Alberta’s political debate. Polls indicate most Albertans want the province to remain in Canada. But organizers campaigning for unity are concerned that voters who consider the outcome settled may stay home, weakening the clarity of the result. Premier Danielle Smith called the referendum and supports Alberta staying in Canada. She has said separatist support remains higher than she would like; one poll put support for an independent Alberta at 23 percent. The referendum is therefore a preliminary decision, not a direct vote on independence. A “yes” would move the question forward, while the eventual choice of whether to separate would require another vote under the proposed process.