That sentiment is unlike the dour mood in England, where voters have routinely professed to be uninspired by the main candidates and their sterile and stage-managed campaigns.
If polls are to be believed, the Scottish National Party under the popular stewardship of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, could win a dramatic victory north of the border, ending the traditional dominance of the Labour Party and making the S.N.P. the third biggest force in Westminster for the first time.
Near a polling station in west Glasgow, a constituency long held by Labour, Saltires fluttered from flowerpots and a number of windows sported “Yes” posters, recycled from last year’s independence vote. On the pavement, a chalky slogan read, “Red Tories Out,” a popular battle cry for nationalists who argue there is little difference between the Labour Party and the governing Conservatives, often referred to as Tories.
John Parker, 48, a business analyst, said he voted against independence last year and had supported Labour all his life. But on Thursday he gave his vote to the S.N.P. “I think our interests are best served by the S.N.P. having a big say in Westminster,” he said.
Even his English wife, Elizabeth, a staunch unionist, voted for the separatists.
At the entrance of the polling station, three S.N.P. activists in bright yellow vests handed out leaflets to anyone still willing to take one. There was no one campaigning for Labour or the Conservatives.
“Since the referendum, we have had a lot of volunteers working for us,” said Ilona Connon, a 26-year-old doctor-in-training who herself became active during the pro-independence campaign.
Even those who turned out to support Labour commented on how alive the country seemed with debate. “It does seem far more active than previous general elections,” said Michael Airlie, 25. “The referendum had a record turnout. I think it invigorated everybody, and that effect has not worn off.”
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