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Polls close in Scotland, United Kingdom and world await results

"If it's a 'Yes,' we will have to deal with the fact that it's a 'Yes,'" says supporter of unified United Kingdom.

By Matt Bradwell
Two young Yes campaigners watch the proceedings on the day Scottish residents decide the future political direction their country will take in Glasgow,Scotland on September 18, 2014."Ninety-seven percent" of the population has registered to vote.The verdict will be announced tomorrow morning. UPI/Hugo Philpott
1 of 13 | Two young Yes campaigners watch the proceedings on the day Scottish residents decide the future political direction their country will take in Glasgow,Scotland on September 18, 2014."Ninety-seven percent" of the population has registered to vote.The verdict will be announced tomorrow morning. UPI/Hugo Philpott | License Photo

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- As polls close on Scotland's independence referendum, the United Kingdom and the world eagerly wait while the votes are counted.

Because the U.K.'s strict election regulations ban all forms of exit polling, votes from Scotland's 5,579 polling stations will be tallied behind closed doors before the results are announced Friday morning.

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"Fifty years I fought for this," 83-year-old independence supporter Isabelle Smith of Newhaven told the Daily Mail. "And we are going to win. I can feel it in my bones."

"I support the No side, but it's been a fascinating, worthwhile discussion about Scotland's future," said David Clarke, adding, "If it's a No it's a win-win situation."

"If it's a Yes, we will have to deal with the fact that it's a Yes."

Smith, Clarke and their allies and observers will all have to wait until "breakfast time" when chief counting officer Mary Pitcaithly announces the results at the Edinburgh-area Royal Highland Centre.

Regardless of the outcome, British Prime Minister David Cameron will speak to the nation shortly after the results are announced to address England and the United Kingdom's plans moving forward.

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Meanwhile, separatist movements from Spain to the Middle East will nervously monitor the results for potential inspiration for their own efforts toward independence.

Results are expected between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. local time, or between 1:30 and 2:30 a.m. E.S.T.

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