Nation watches as a divided California prepares to decide on same-sex marriage

Supporters and opponents have mounted a costly campaign over Proposition 8, which would amend the state Constitution to ban gay marriage.
By Jessica Garrison
November 4, 2008

After the most expensive campaign in state history over a social issue, Californians went to the polls today to vote on the divisive and deeply emotional issue of same-sex marriage.

Proposition 8, which would amend the California Constitution to ban gay marriage, has been extremely close in recent polling, with the Field Poll last week showing 49% against and 44% in favor of the measure, with 7% undecided. Along with the presidential race, the fight over gay marriage is among the nation's most closely watched contests. Volunteers from around the country have staffed phone banks, and campaign contributions have come from every state in the nation to the "no" campaign, and every state but Vermont to the "yes" side.

The two sides raised nearly $74 million and blanketed the airwaves for weeks with expensive television and radio commercials. the rest