Scottish referendum voters turn out in droves

[Purveyor]

Scots have turned out to vote in their droves with only a few more hours to decide whether or not the nation will end its 307-year-old union with the United Kingdom.

Queues began outside some polling stations as early as 6am - an hour before the polls opened - as eager voters rushed to cast their ballot papers before the start of the working day.

A total of 4.3 million people are registered to vote - 97 per cent of those eligible - with turnout set to be at a record high.

By 10am, 18.5 per cent of registered adults in Scotland had already cast their vote - nearly a fifth of the voter base.

A poll released this morning from Ipsos Mori claimed that as many as 95 per cent of the electorate are expected to vote, including 90 per cent of those aged 16-24.

more...

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/latest/scottish-referendum-voters-turn-out-in-droves-1-6308261

[pinto]

1. Really impressive voter turnout however it settles out. (nt)

[Takket]

2. Yeah it really is, but also sad in a way...

The poor Scots don't know how the election process works! Here in America we have perfected the process. you complain about how horrible the government is, no matter who is in charge, and then you stay home on election day.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

6. That's a rational response to a safe seat.

The Scottish referendum is bringing people out in droves because it's a close vote.

If you split the country up into seats, the result in many of them would be pretty predictable, and I'll bet you all Lombard St to a china orange the turnout would be lower.

[The2ndWheel]

8. This isn't your normal everyday election though

Same politicians, saying the same things, over and over. They're not voting for an individual, or a political party. This is a vote to possibly change the functioning of the nation, down to its core.

[Baclava]

3. 16-17-year-olds get to vote on Scottish independence

Scotland's independence vote Thursday represents the first time voters in the United Kingdom as young as 16 will help decide a significant matter of state

About 120,000 teens ages 16 and 17 are likely to cast ballots, estimates Graeme West, who helps run Generation Yes, an organization raising awareness for young Scottish voters.

In a tight vote, they could change the course of history.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/09/17/scotland-independence-teen-vote/15768549/?csp=fbfanpage

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[former9thward]

5. It is their future.

Glad to see they are getting a voice in it.

[Baclava]

9. I agree on principle - - at 16 you could have bought my vote for a 6 pack of Genesee Cream Ale

in the little bottles, of course


anyway, more power to them!

[derby378]

4. The West Coast might still be awake when the results are announced

Lucky Californians. Texans and New Yorkers need their sleep, after all.

[Blue_Tires]

7. I never knew just how relatively few people live in Scotland...

Population is about on par with Maryland...