Voters have decided a lot more than the presidential and congressional races.
Maine is now the first state to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote. Maine broke a 32-state streak, dating back to 1998, in which gay marriage had been rebuffed by every state that voted on it.
Minnesota also voted on gay marriage, deciding whether a ban on gay marriage should be put in its state constitution. With 87% of precincts reporting at 3:00 a.m., the results were 52% no and 48% yes.
Voters in Maryland approved allowing illegal immigrants who meet certain criteria to pay in-state tuition at public colleges. Maryland is the first state in the nation to pass by popular vote a version of the Dream Act.
Washington state has voted to legalize recreational use of marijuana. That's a first. But the measure sets up a showdown with the federal government, which outlaws the drug.
In Massachusetts, voters approved a measure to allow marijuana use for medical reasons. That's already the law in 17 other states.
Montana, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Arkansas also voted on marijuana measures this election day. With 91% of precincts reporting at 3:00 a.m., Arkansas was at 52% no and 48% yes. With 92% of the votes reporting at 3:00 a.m., Montana was 57% in favor of new regulations for the state medical marijuana program and 43% against.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
