Ballot measures fly under the radar

Filed at 5:01 p.m.

While you were busy watching Sen. Barack Obama win the presidency, you might have missed some of the interesting ballot measures that passed and failed today.

Voters faced a choice to ban gay marriage in three states. In Arizona, they chose to do so in a 56-44 percent vote. In Florida, such a measure passed 62-38 percent. In California, the vote on the proposition is still undecided.

A ban on gay couples adopting children has passed in Arkansas.

In two states, questions concerning affirmative action appeared on the ballot. In Nebraska, the practice was ended by a 58-42 percent vote. Colorado voters are split on whether or not to end affirmative action in their state; at this point, it is impossible to say if the amendment banning affirmative action will pass in the state.

Michigan voters have approved the use of medicinal marijuana, while Washington voters answered in the affirmative on a ballot initiative that will allow for doctor-assisted suicide.

In my home state of Maryland, citizens voted in favor of allowing video lottery machines (a.k.a. slot machines) to be installed in the state. Proceeds from the machines will go to finance public education.