Will Maine Legalize Gay Marriage?

With gay marriage and medical marijuana on the ballot, Maine voter turn-out is expected to be high for an off-year election. The get-out-the-vote efforts on both sides of the gay marriage issue kicked into high gear this weekend as volunteers and campaign staffers knocked on doors, called voter lists, and distributed signs. The law permitting gay marriage is currently suspended, and Question 1 on the ballot will allow voters to uphold or overturn that suspension. If Question 1 is defeated, Maine will become the first state to allow gays to marry by dint of statewide vote. Five other states, including four in New England, allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. Maine citizens will also vote on a proposal to expand the list of illnesses treatable by medical marijuana and establish a regulated dispensing system.