Logos of the two campaigns for and against an independent Scotland.
Image via http://studyinuk.universiablogs.net
If you think elections only matter when you’re voting for a leader, this week offers a pretty good example of why it’s important to get to the polls even when big name politicians aren’t running. This Thursday, voters in Scotland will be making one of the most important decisions in their history: to stay a member of the United Kingdom, or to become their own independent nation.
Scotland, official home of Hogwarts, and England have been united under the same flag for over 300 years, but some Scots are arguing that that union has run its course. Scotland is more politically liberal than England, and “Yes Scotland” voters argue that Scotland is not fairly represented under a conservative-led government in London. Presently, Scotland has its own legal system with a Parliament that has control of some major social issues like healthcare and education. Pro-independence voters say that Scotland’s powers should not end there. For example, Scotland is home to some oil and gas deposits, which “Yes” voters argue should be under Scottish control.
“No” voters (or “No, thanks” as the politely British “Better Together” campaign slogan goes) argue that an independent Scotland would lead to chaos and increased struggle for Scottish residents. Among one of the chief concerns is a very basic economic question: what would Scotland use for money? There is significant debate about whether they could continue using the British pound, switch to the more frequently fluctuating euro, or develop a new currency system entirely (Gringotts representatives have stated that Galleons will continue to be the dominant currency in the wizarding world, regardless of the outcome).
A screenshot of JKR’s tweet about the upcoming Scottish independence referendum.
As Harry Potter fans, we’d be remiss if we did not mention that one of the most prominent Better Together voters and financial contributors is none other than J.K. Rowling. Rowling believes that an independent Scotland will increase poverty and hurt those who are already struggling. Some banks and insurance providers have already said they will pull out of Scotland should the independence referendum pass.
Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom will likely be facing major changes no matter what happens on Thursday. If voters elect independence, there will be plenty of issues to tackle, from currency to passport requirements to counterterrorism measures in the newly independent nation. However, even if voters say “No, thanks” to independence, bringing the
Polls show a close race.
Image via http://blog.whatscotlandthinks.org/2014/09/poll-polls-12-september-version-2/?_ga=1.124477258.117760914.1408370978
U.K. that close to a split is bound to spark some change. The still-intact U.K. will likely offer Scotland “maximum devolution” or “devo-max”, which would give Scotland power over all law making outside of defense and foreign policy.
After a late surge in independence supporters, “Yes Scotland” and “Better Together” are neck and neck. With polls this close, it’s clear that every vote matters. Whether you are Oliver Wood, Minerva McGonagall, or even a somewhat less famous Scottish witch or wizard, it is time to make your voice heard!
Will you be voting in the Scottish independence referendum on Thursday? Let us know!
