A guide to voting in the Scottish independence referendum

Scotland goes to the polls in the independence referendum on 18 September. Credit: David Cheskin/PA Archive

On Thursday 18 September, voters in Scotland will be asked the question, "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

With just a few weeks to go until the referendum takes place, here are some key facts about the vote.

Who is eligible to vote in Scotland's referendum on 18 September? Credit: Rui Vieira/PA Wire

Who can vote in Scotland's independence referendum?

  • British, Irish and all other European Union citizens who reside in Scotland

  • Commonwealth citizens who are resident in Scotland and have leave to remain in the UK or do not require such leave

  • Members of the House of Lords resident in Scotland

  • Service personnel serving with the armed forces, in the UK or overseas, who are registered to vote in Scotland

  • Crown personnel serving outside the UK with the Government who are registered to vote in Scotland

For the first time in the UK, people aged 16 and 17 are eligible to vote.

Prisoners who have been convicted and sentenced are not able to vote in the referendum. Credit: PA Wire

Who is not eligible to vote?

  • You must be registered to vote in Scotland in order to take part

  • Prisoners who have been convicted and sentenced are not able to vote

The most common way to vote is in person at a polling station. Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

How can I cast my vote

  • You can vote person at a polling station - your polling card will have the address

  • By post - send your ballot through the mail after registering

  • By proxy - allow someone to vote on your behalf

Your proxy must be 16 or over on the day of the poll and must be a British, Irish, other EU or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. Credit: David Cheskin/PA Archive

You can vote by proxy if:

  • You are unable to go to the polling station e.g. you are on holiday

  • You have a physical condition which means you cannot get there

  • Your employment means you cannot go to the polling station on the day

  • Your attendance on an educational course means you cannot be there

  • You are a crown servant or a member of the armed forces overseas

  • If you fall ill on election day you can apply for an emergency proxy vote

Referendum day is 18 September, but what are the other key dates? Credit: ITV News Border

Key dates in Scotland's independence referendum

  • You must be registered to vote by 2 September to vote in the referendum

  • Postal vote applications must be received by 5pm on 3 September

  • If you wish to vote by proxy you need to fill in an application form and have it arrive by 5pm on 3 September

  • You can apply for an emergency proxy vote until 5pm on 18 September

  • Postal votes must be received by 10pm on 18 September

Voters in the referendum will be asked, 'Should Scotland be an independent country?' Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

What happens after the referendum?

If more people vote Yes than No, Scotland would become an independent country.

If more people vote No than Yes, Scotland would remain part of the United Kingdom.