The results of B.C.'s referendum vote on the harmonized sales tax will be released Friday, Elections BC revealed today.

Whether the province will retain the HST will first be known to the Legislative Assembly through the Speaker, and made public soon after. A breakdown of the vote will also be available online here.

Elections BC originally stated the results would be revealed "on or about" Thursday.

Over 1.6 million British Columbians, more than 50 per cent of all registered voters in the province, mailed in their ballots in the referendum, the Tyee reported earlier this month.

The referendum, which lasted between June 13 and August 5, asked B.C. voters to decide whether the province should retain the HST introduced during the Gordon Campbell government or to revert to a combined general and provincial sales tax system.

Robyn Smith reports for the The Tyee.