The fate of the United Kingdom was at stake Thursday as Scotland began voting in a referendum on whether to become an independent state, deciding whether to unravel a marriage that helped build 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 in 15 hours on Thursday they decide on the fate of a 307-year old union with England.
More than 2,600 polling places opened Thursday at 7 a.m. (0600GMT, 2 a.m. EDT) and will 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.
Polls suggest the result is too close to call, with the pro-independence Yes side gaining momentum in the final weeks of the campaign.
First Minister Alex Salmond was casting 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.
Anti-independence leaders including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown have implored Scots not to break their links with the rest of the United Kingdom.
On a foggy morning in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, a heavy stream of voters began arriving at a polling station in the city center the moment it opened.
One of the first, Anne Seaton, said she had voted Yes — "because why not?"
"Scotland got under the English Parliament by mischance," in 1707, she said. "It's time now for Scotland to make a deliberate decision for independence."
Voters expressed a mixture of excitement and 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 of the votes. The result is anticipated Friday morning.
Roberts said he was looking forward to watching the results 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.
But financial consultant Michael MacPhee, a No voter, said he would observe the returns coming in "with anxiety."
He said Scottish independence was "the daftest idea I've ever heard."
More than 150,000 still undecided on most prolific vote in country's history
Turnout expected to be high, with 4285,323 people registered to vote
16 and 17-year-olds will be able to take part in the referendum
Final polls show four per cent of electorate have still to make up their mind
The biggest survey puts No in lead with 52 per cent of vote
Comes as both sides of debate launched last-ditch bids to sway undecideds
Rousing speeches from both campaigns heralded final day of campaigning
Alex Salmond promised roaring crowds 'the opportunity of a lifetime'
Gordon Brown implored No voters to 'Have confidence in saying No'
More than 90 per cent of Scottish voters expected to turn out today
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