Returned ballot packages have revealed strong voter turnout for the 2011 harmonized sales tax (HST) referendum.
"Our preliminary analysis indicates that more than 1.6 million registered voters returned HST referendum ballot packages by the deadline of 4:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 5," said acting chief electoral officer Craig James in a news release.
In comparison, the mail-based 2002 treaty negotiations referendum saw 790,182 voting packages returned.
Elections BC mailed an HST referendum voting package to each registered voter beginning June 13, 2011. As of July 22, 2011, there were 3,063,170 registered voters.
James extended two key dates in the HST referendum to compensate for a disruption in Canada Post services; the deadline to request an HST referendum voting package was extended to midnight, July 22, and the close of voting deadline was extended to Aug. 5.
"Despite the extension adding approximately $500,000 to the cost of the referendum, I am pleased to report that our revised estimate as to the overall cost is $8.9 million, down from $12 million," added James.
Elections BC received 87,617 telephone calls to its contact centre since June 13.
Referendum voting results are expected to be reported on or about Aug. 25.
- Submitted
