How Greece's referendum could impact the nation's future

• Greece would likely immediately open up talks on a new rescue package that involves more money for the government and the banks. Whether that leads to a swift deal that might allow Greece to reopen its banks and restore a semblance of normality to the life of citizens and tourists is another question.

• The government has said it will respect the verdict, even though Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has said he'll resign in the event of a "yes" vote, and Tsipras has hinted as much.

• If the government does not collapse, it could try to build a new coalition with other parties, Varoufakis has hinted. However, it's not clear whether that would involve new elections. That would take time and without financial assistance, Greece would surely go bankrupt.

Times wires

Greece's highest administrative court ruled Friday that a referendum planned for Sunday is constitutional, clearing the last serious hurdle before Greeks go to the polls for a vote that could set the country's direction for decades.

From the moment Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced the referendum June 26, the vote has been marked by doubts over its purpose and validity. Opponents had challenged its constitutionality in court. But Greece's Council of State said Friday afternoon that the referendum is within the law.

Greeks packed city squares for dueling rallies late into the night Friday, as polls showed a dead heat between the "yes" and "no" camps ahead of a bailout referendum Sunday. No campaigning is allowed the day before an election in Greece, so Friday's rallies were the closing salvoes in the battle to persuade voters.

• Despite the Greek government's assertion that a "no" vote will not lead to a euro exit, most people agree it would open up more uncertain outcomes, especially if the European Central Bank calls time on the life-support measures to Greece's banks.

• A number of European politicians, including Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the top eurozone official, have said a "no" vote would jeopardize Greece's place in the euro.

• Without a deal and without money, Greece will default on more of its debt repayments and will not be able to afford the day-to-day spending on salaries and pensions. The banks will run dry, even with the cash withdrawal limits.

• Printing a new currency may be the only option available, which almost everyone thinks will be a short-term disaster for the Greek economy.