Maryland Residents Split On Liberal Issues In November Election

Maryland voters will go to the polls in a couple of months and will be facing some decisions that could shape the future of several different issues. Same-sex marriage and gambling are two issues that liberals have long been trying to get approved, and in November, both issues will be on the ballot.

Where voters stand on the issues varies, according to which polls are cited. The latest poll results from the Baltimore Sun indicate that voters are split on the issues, favoring same-sex marriage, while being against gambling expansion.

The poll shows that likely voters favor same-sex marriage by a 49-39 percent differential. That number has grown over the past few months, as other states have started to liberalize their laws pertaining to the issue.

The gambling expansion proponents are not receiving as good news. The poll showed that likely voters are against expansion that would bring new casinos to Maryland.

Whichever way the voters go, the one thing that cannot be overlooked is the amount of money being spent on these two issues.

“There’s tremendous money being spent by both sides on political advertising,” said pollster Steve Raabe. “and the message in those ads are provocative. Given that, this question (same-sex marriage) could still move dramatically  between now and election day.”

The same-sex marriage issue has seen a drastic turn in the last couple of months. The last poll released had likely voters opposed to same-sex marriage by a 40-37  percent margin. That has shifted in favor of same-sex marriage, primarily, according to the Sun, due to the increase in African-American voters changing their stance on the issue.

In the presidential race, Maryland is leaning heavily to the left. President Barack Obama has a commanding 57-34 percent lead over challenger Mitt Romney.

Maryland expanded their gambling options several times already during the casino boom of the past five years in the US. The state is considered to have one of the most respected programs to help prevent and treat problem gamblers.

Recently, lawmakers have been suggesting that additional casinos could bring hundreds of millions of dollars into the state budget. Voters, however, would have to sign off on the new casinos in November.