[MUSIC PLAYING]
JENNIFER ROGERS: The world is watching,
and financial markets are on edge as Brits head to the polls
to vote on Brexit.
Brex what?
Brexit.
It's a blended word kind of like Brangelina or Bennifer,
only this divorce would have a much bigger impact.
The Brexit is about Britain exiting the European Union.
Britain has more than 45 million eligible voters,
and turnout is expected to be huge.
More than one and 1/2 million people registered to vote
in this historic referendum in just the last month.
Currently, Britain is one of 28 countries in the European
Union, an area of free trade and open borders.
The vote to Brexit or remain boils down to three main
issues-- laws, trade, and immigration.
Those in favor of a Brexit say a lot has changed since Britain
first entered the EU's predecessor organization
in 1973.
They claim the EU is now dysfunctional, too big,
too open, and too bureaucratic.
NIGEL FARAGE: It is the establishment.
It is the wealthy.
It is the multinationals.
It is the big banks.
It is those whose lives have really done rather well
in the last few years, who support remaining,
and against it, it's the people.
JENNIFER ROGERS: The leader of the UK Independence Party
pushing the Brexit is joined by former London mayor,
Boris Johnson.
BORIS JOHNSON: I think what the public want,
if I may say so, is for us to concentrate relentlessly
on the things that matter to them--
taking back control of huge sums of money,
10 billion pounds a year now, taking back control
of our borders, our immigration policy, and fundamentally,
taking back control of our democracy.
JENNIFER ROGERS: Those who want Britain to remain in the EU
cite concerns about growth.
Some economists warn of a drop in British GDP of 2% if Britain
leaves the EU.
They also fear a weakened currency and a tarnish
to London's standing as a world financial center.
Leading the argument to stay is Prime Minister David Cameron.
DAVID CAMERON: I hope that we wake up on June the 24th
knowing that businesses are going to invest more
in our country, create more jobs in our country,
see more growth in our country, because that will help
the families of our country.
JENNIFER ROGERS: Cameron is supported by many young people
in Britain and big business too, as well as US President Barack
Obama, German chancellor Angela Merkel,
and China's president Xi Jinping.
But regardless of what these world leaders want,
it's up to the deeply divided voters in Britain whether to go
or stay in the European Union.
Jennifer Rogers for Yahoo Finance.
