Last call for B.C. HST referendum ballots

B.C. voters have until 4:30 p.m. local time today to cast their ballots in a referendum that could lead to the repeal of the province’s harmonized sales tax. Final results are expected to be released by August 25. Former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell agreed to hold the referendum to quell a growing backlash against the new tax. His replacement, Christy Clark, has since promised to issue cheques to families with children and low-income seniors, and to lower the HST rate over the next three years if voters agree to keep the tax. B.C.’s chief electoral officer Craig James hopes turnout will be at least as strong as it was for the last provincial election, when about 50 per cent of eligible voters showed up to vote.

The Globe and Mail