Scottish Referendums

Scotland Goes To The Polls

Today is voting day in the Scottish devolution referendum. A Yes vote in the referendum could trigger the most radical change in the UK constitution since the partition of Ireland. Residents of Scotland will be voting on two questions, whether there should be a Scottish Parliament, and whether a Scottish Parliament should have tax-varying powers.

Early indications are that the turnout is lower than at the general election, but the pattern is not consistent across the country. The Chief Counting Officer has had to issue advice that both ballot papers should be given to voters simultaneously, as there have been complaints that some voters were asked if they wanted both ballot papers.

The polls are open from 7am to 10pm, and the first results are expected by 12.30. The votes will be counted in the thirty-two council areas, Clackmannanshire and East Renfrewshire are expected to be amoung the first to declare. The results from each area will be announced simultaneously by the counting officer for that area, and by the Chief Counting Officer, Neil McIntosh, in the Edinburgh International Conference. It is hoped that all the results will be in by 4.30am.

The results can be seen on this website as they are announced, and on BBC1 from 11.20pm.