Artwork by Surian Soosay via Flickr. CC license
By Casey Taylor
“Should Scotland be an independent country?”
That’s the question Scots are trying to answer Thursday.
Voting is underway in a historic referendum that could see the dissolution of their union with the United Kingdom.
Public support initially leaned towards keeping the status quo when polls first started reporting last year but soon began to see independence as a valid alternative.
Polling data leading into today’s vote showed Scots were almost evenly split on the decision with a slight edge towards unity.
A simple majority is all that’s required for victory.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has been on a whirlwind tour of late making one final push for Scotland to vote “No” describing the potential split a “painful divorce.”
Gordon Brown, a former British prime minister, was also out campaigning in favor of the No side.
Despite these and other pleas for continued unity, early Twitter reactions did not show the message struck a cord.
My Da, who has been a strong Labour No voter, changed his mind an hour before he left for the polling station today and voted Yes. So proud.
— Amanda Craig (@MandaCraig) September 18, 2014
Lady in tears of joy in Kirkcaldy “My 38 yearkld son went to vote no. Came back home crying he couldnt do it and voted Yes ” wow. #Yes
— Roger Mullin (@RogMull) September 18, 2014
Just voted YES! And it feels good! #voteyes
— Nicola Massie (@_nicatmo) September 18, 2014
Me and my Mum were part of history today. She wants this pic printed for her great grand-children! <3 #yes #indyref pic.twitter.com/v4S3NkyPrA
— Debra (@FewArePict) September 18, 2014
Other early voting reactions, however, suggested there was also real passion on the No side.
I am proud to have voted NO to separation, division and uncertainty. #voteno #IVotedNo
— Best of Both (@bestofboth2014) September 18, 2014
I’m proudly wearing a #voteno sticker but can’t believe the looks of contempt from people. I’m looking forward to this fairer society.
— Jeremy Squire (@Jeremysquire) September 18, 2014
Independence is a great idea but things just don’t add up be sensible #voteno
— Scott Dempster (@ScottDempster91) September 18, 2014
Independence is a great idea but things just don’t add up be sensible #voteno
— Scott Dempster (@ScottDempster91) September 18, 2014
Elections Scotland says there are about 4.2 million registered voters representing 97 per cent of the electorate.
Polls close at 10 P.M. local time with ballots counted overnight and expected declaration by Friday morning.