Scotland Votes To Stay or Secede

In a historic vote Thursday, Scotland will decide if it stays or secedes from the United Kingdom. The last minute polls put the Nays slightly ahead of the Yes at 53 percent vs 47 percent, but is the 6 percent margin big enough - only the final counting will tell.

A Yes would mean sweeping changes in the constitution, economy and finance. A No would mean a change in equations as England would have to grant greater autonomy and more say for Scotland.

But no one can deny that a massive democratic process has been put in place to decide the fate of the United Kingdom.

Early reports indicate a steady stream of voters braving a murky weather. Ninety seven percent of the electorate has registered to vote, which translates in to  4.3 million people, reports the New York Times

Analysts predict more than  80 percent turnout. Voting began at 7 a.m. and the polling stations will remain open till 10 p.m.  About 2,600 polling stations have been set up to take care of the high numbers.

The ballot carries a simple question, "Should Scotland be an independent country?" 

The answer will be out by Friday morning.

Brian Cox, a Dundee-born actor who now lives in New York and cannot vote, returned to campaign for independence. He was impressed by the exercise of democracy here.

"This is democracy at work as you rarely see it," said Brain Cox, a New York-based actor campaigning for independence, to the New York Times. "No or yes, people are going out to vote for something they deeply believe in."  

First Minister Alex Salmond, the push behind the drive for an independent Scotland, cast his vote near his home in northeastern Scotland .

A Yes will mean he will succeed in braking off from an alliance formed in 1707.