Result due Sept. 19

The result of the Scottish independence referendum is due to be announced on Sept. 19, the day following the vote. Unofficial estimates place the announcement around 6:30-7:30 a.m. local time (1:30-2:30 p.m. EDT). The Chief Counting Officer expects the announcement is likely to be around ‘breakfast time.’ Results will begin being compiled from the 32 regional centers in Scotland as early as 1 a.m. On the basis of registrations, the Electoral Commission is expecting turnout of 80%, with a total of 4,285,323 people registered to vote, the largest ever electorate in Scotland for an election or referendum, while logistical difficulties may also slow counting. The result will be revealed once it becomes a mathematical impossibility for the other side to win – this may be before the precise final result is known. The referendum requires a simple majority – at least one more vote is required for independence than against.