Time to decide whether in or out of Europe

Voters will go to the polls today to decide whether the UK should stay in the European Union or leave.

The nationwide vote will be the climax of a campaign that has seen members of politicians at odds with colleagues in their own parties.

Voting stations across the country will be open from 7am until 10pm with the Falkirk Council area count taking place Grangemouth Sports Complex.

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It will also be the venue for the Scottish declaration with Mary Pitcaithly, Falkirk Council’s chief executive, making the announcement in her role as regional counting officer.

There are 11 areas across Great Britain, along with one in Northern Ireland.

Once all the ballot boxes have been delivered to the sports centre, the votes will be verified then counted.

The Falkirk area result is expected around 2am but the Scottish result will be nearer 8am.

The UK result is not expected until early Friday morning.

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Voters will be asked to give a simple yes or no to whether the UK should remain in the EU or should it leave.

Prime Minister David Cameron made a pledge prior to last year’s General Election victory that it was “time to settle this European question in British politics”.

However, his own Cabinet has been split into those, who along with Mr Cameron want to remain, and those such as Michael Gove, who want out of Europe.

Labour, the Lib Dems and the SNP are all backing the Remain campaign.

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Earlier this year the Prime Minister sought an agreement with other European Union leaders to change the terms of Britain’s membership.

He says the deal, which will take effect immediately if the UK votes to remain in the EU, gives Britain ‘special’ status within the 28 member nations and clears up some of the things the British say they don’t like about the EU, such as high levels of immigration and giving up the ability to run its own affairs.

For full coverage of the results throughout the night visit www.falkirkherald.co.uk or @falkirk_herald on Twitter.