Today, Britons are heading to the polls to decide whether the UK should ditch the European Union or remain a member.
The historic decision follows months of fractious polling, exaggerated claims celebrity interventions and impassioned arguments – which have left the nation in a dead heat.
Polls, which began favoring the Remain camp, backed by the Prime Minister and most UK party leaders, by a healthy margin.
Their lead has been eroded by the Leave camp – fronted by rebel members of the Government and the anti-Establishment UK Independence Party – and polls say the result could go either way.
Our #EUref averages now stand at:
Remain: 45.5%
Leave: 44.0%Excluding DKs:
Remain: 50.8%
Leave: 49.2% pic.twitter.com/joNtkPgFLA— Britain Elects (@britainelects) June 22, 2016
This morning much of Britain was doused by a fierce rain storm, focussed over London and the South-East, which could keep many at home.
Nonetheless, millions marched to the polls, with politicians, celebrities and ordinary voters broadcasting their decisions over social media.
The vote takes place at the same time as the Glastonbury Festival, a coincidence which some have suggested could help swing the result.
#iVoted for Brexit and judging by the feeling here in Thurrock, many local residents are doing the same #EUref pic.twitter.com/YYMc4tc1g1
— Scott Nelson (@SocialistVoice) June 23, 2016
Just finished the school run? Head home via your poll station to make sure your voice is heard #EUref #StrongerIn
— Ben Howlett MP (@ben4bath) June 23, 2016
The Remain campaign has tried to fight the battle over the economy, rallying businessmen to its cause and issuing dire warnings about the financial repercussions of a “Brexit” vote.
Its tactics have been widely dubbed “Project Fear” in light of the increasingly dire warnings, including the threat of war.
Meanwhile Leave has focused on the bureaucracy and compromise which EU membership visits upon the UK, also making the case that European free movement rules stop Great Britain controlling levels of immigration.
An amazing closing speech from Boris tonight. Urging everyone to vote leave on thursday. #EUref #VoteLeave #LeaveEUhttps://t.co/OXXxo6NnZv
— LEAVE.EU (@LeaveEUOfficial) June 21, 2016
Polls have been open since 7am UK time, and close at 10pm (5pm East Coast). Regional results will trickle in overnight and ought to be clear by 4am in the UK (11pm East Coast).
