After over three centuries of union with the countries of the United Kingdom, Scotland is looking at the possibility of being an independent nation, as voters pack up polling stations to decide the fate of the country on Thursday.
Scotland has been a member of the Kingdom of Great Britain for over 300 years now, beginning in 1707 when Scotland and England united with Wales through the Act of Union. According to British Life and Culture, the union was passed by the Scottish Parliament and Westminster.
Fast forward to 2009, and the Parliament of Scotland decided to push for independency. However, USA Today explains that it was only in 2012 when Prime Minister David Cameron took note of the possibility and allowed the referendum to proceed.
Now, on September 18, Scots will have the chance to decide whether being independent or staying as a U.K. nation will be the best for them. More than 4 million voters are expected to cast their ballots starting at 7 a.m., but YouGov predicts that the "No" vote will prevail. According to The Telegraph, the polling company predicts an "80 per cent probability that the UK will hold together." This is amid a recent polling of 3,237 respondents who gave a very close call of 52% "No" to 48% "Yes" result.
"Better Together are likely to have the choice of celebratory drinks - whisky or champagne - shortly before breakfast tomorrow," YouGov chairman Peter Kellner told The Sun, as noted by The Telegraph.
So why are majority of Scots voting to stay together with England, Wales and Northern Ireland?
According to Pro-unity advocates, there are more pros than cons in staying together. USA Today notes that unionists believe more jobs and a stringer economy is assured if the nation stays with U.K. It also "gives Scotland a bigger say in world affairs through major alliances such as the European Union and NATO," the site included.
However, National Party leader Alex Salmond believes Independence is a decision the nation should take now.
"Independence is the right road for Scotland...[Thursday] is our opportunity of a lifetime," he claimed.
So far, Queen Elizabeth has stayed mum and neutral about the issue. The only comment she has with Scotland's vote for freedom: "Think very carefully about the future," CNN noted.
As for U.S. President Obama, he remains a believer in the strength of Scotland as a member of the United Kingdom.
The official Twitter account of the White House posted, "The UK is an extraordinary partner for America and a force for good in an unstable world. I hope it remains strong, robust and united. -bo."
For those planning to vote, Chief Counting Officer, Mary Pitcaithly, advice that voters visit polling stations during the afternoon as "polling places are busiest during the early morning and in the evening," she told BBC.