EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Scots held the fate of the United Kingdom in their hands Thursday as they voted in a referendum on becoming an independent state, deciding whether to unravel a marriage with England that built an empire but has increasingly been felt by many Scots as stifling and one-sided.
The question on the ballot paper is simplicity itself: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” Yet it has divided Scots during months of campaigning, and polls suggest the result is too close to call.
A final Ipsos MORI poll released Thursday put support for the No side at 53 percent and Yes at 47 percent. The phone survey of 991 people has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
The future of the 307-year old union with England will be decided in 15 hours on Thursday; polls close at 10 p.m. (2100GMT, 5 p.m. EDT). Turnout is expected to be high, with more than 4.2 million people registered to vote — 97 percent of those eligible.
On a foggy morning in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, voters lined up outside some polling stations even before they opened at 7 a.m.
The campaign has generated an unprecedented volume and intensity of public debate and participation. The Yes side, in particular, has energized young people and previously disillusioned working-class voters.
As polls opened, the mood was electric, tinged by nervousness.
For some voters, this was a day they had dreamed of for decades.
“Fifty years I fought for this,” said 83-year-old Isabelle Smith, a Yes supporter in Edinburgh’s maritime district of Newhaven, a former fishing port. “And we are going to win. I can feel it in my bones.”
For Smith, who went to the polling station decked out in a blue-and-white pro-independence shirt and rosette, statehood for Scotland was a dream nurtured during three decades living in the United States with her late husband.
“The one thing America has that the Scots don’t have is confidence,” said Smith, who returned to Scotland years ago. “But they’re getting it, they’re walking tall.
“No matter what, Scotland will never, ever be the same again.”
Smith’s three children and seven grandchildren are all Americans, and several flew to Scotland for the referendum to support her.
Many opponents of independence agreed that the campaign had reinvigorated Scottish democracy.
“I support the No side, but it’s been a fascinating, worthwhile discussion about Scotland’s future,” said writing consultant David Clarke.
“If it’s a No it’s a win-win situation. If it’s a Yes, we will have to deal with the fact that it’s a Yes.”
First Minister Alex Salmond, leader of the independence campaign, cast his vote near his home in northeastern Scotland. If the Yes side prevails he will realize a long-held dream of leading his country to independence after an alliance with England formed in 1707.
In a final speech on Wednesday night, Salmond told voters: “This is our opportunity of a lifetime and we must seize it with both hands.”
Pro-independence forces got a last-minute boost from tennis star Andy Murray, who signaled his support of the Yes campaign in a tweet to his 2.7 million followers early Thursday.
Anti-independence leaders including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown have implored Scots not to break their links with the rest of the United Kingdom.
At Edinburgh polling stations, excitement vied with apprehension about Scotland’s choice.
Thomas Roberts said he had voted Yes because he felt optimistic about its future as an independent country.
“Why not roll the dice for once?” he said.
Once the polls close, ballot boxes will be transported to 32 regional centers for counting. The result is anticipated Friday morning.
Roberts said he was looking forward to learning of the outcome in a pub, many of which are staying open overnight.
“I’m going to sit with a beer in my hand watching the results coming in,” Roberts said.
Financial consultant Michael MacPhee, a No voter, said he would observe the returns coming in “with anxiety.”
Scottish independence was “the daftest idea I’ve ever heard,” he said.
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Follow Jill Lawless on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/JillLawless
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A few weeks ago I spoke to a Scotish couple and inquired about their preference in the upcoming vote. He was in favor and she against. I could see it was a well discussed topic between them. He proclaimed proudly that he was a Scot and she wondered if the UK being so small already needed to get smaller. As an outsider I have no right to an opinion and certainly do know the issues well enough to favor one side or the other. However, a close vote on such a major decision would indicate that the status quo is acceptable to many Scots and such a tremendous change is would be very unpopular. Either way lets hope for a clear mandate.
60-40 ‘No’, “Shy Scotsman” factor cited (Fear-Uncertainty-Doubt).
Oh jeebus, jeebus, jeebus…the YES/NO vote is becoming like a Palin presidency____ you know it could be a terrible, a monumental FUBAR socio-political apocalypse, but there is a lil’ mischievous part of you that wants to see it in all it’s brilliant, frightening, gory detail.
Forgive! (っ-●益●)っ ,︵‿
(On a more serious note, my sister just got back from attending a medical seminar Across the Pond and this is 24/7 on the TV news___you know, exactly like how we cover the Kardashians.)
Wait! If Scotland leaves the Union, the flag won’t be as cool. Vote “NO”!
…and all my Who tee shirts will become fuckin’ meaningless!!!
jk…except for the tee shirt thingy’!
In the event of a YES victory, I propose we allow England to have Texas as a consolation prize and parting gift. (And the Texans will be faced with science books that include evolution! Win/Win!)