November 5, 2008
Posted: 12:25 AM ET

From

In California exit polls reported thus far tonight, Proposition 8 appears to be going down to a narrow 52 percent to 48 percent defeat.The proposition would amend California's state constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. Earlier in the year, the California Supreme Court issued a ruling making such marriages legal under the state's constitution

If the trend holds, younger, first-time voters can be said to be responsible for Proposition 8's defeat. Voters between the ages of 18 and 29 opposed the proposition 66 percent to 34 percent; voters 30-64 were evenly split; voters 65 and above favored the amendment 57 percent to 43 percent.

First-time voters cast their ballots against the proposition by a 64 percent to 36 percent margin. The rest of the electorate favored the amendment 52 percent to 48 percent.

Californians who attend church weekly voted for Proposition 8 by an 83 percent to 17 percent. Those who attended church occasionally voted 40 percent in favor and 60 percent opposed. Californians who never attend church were 14 percent in favor and 86 percent against.

College graduates opposed Proposition 8 by a 57 percent to 43 percent margin. Those without a college degree favored it, 53 percent to 47 percent.

African-Americans voted for Proposition 8 by a 69 percent to 31 percent margin. However, 55 percent of white voters and 52 percent of Hispanics voted against the proposition.

Filed under: Same-sex marriage


November 2008: Nobody asked me, but… « Neither Red nor Blue   December 6th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

[...] early exit polls in California also wrongly suggested that Proposition 8, which sought to bar gay marriage, would lose. Again, [...]

Jeff in Phoenix   November 5th, 2008 12:42 am ET

Congratulations to ALL in California!!! Bigotry and hate must be stopped and this is one more step in the right direction.

Lorna   November 5th, 2008 12:42 am ET

Why give rights to people and then wish to take the rights away???? Makes no sense…Don't do it.

Al   November 5th, 2008 12:42 am ET

It won't stop with gay marriage. Next step is to get rid of tax exemptions for all churches and dismantle religion in this country. Twenty years from now, we'll be Holland.

Pat Green (CA)   November 5th, 2008 12:42 am ET

Good luck!! We ARE all one people!

railaobama   November 5th, 2008 12:41 am ET

The young people have spoken,am proud of the young americans

time to get bought out by another nation   November 5th, 2008 12:41 am ET

Well, if anyone really follows or knows much about Obama, this country is in for a real treat and he knows it. Everyone wants change, and here it comes – legalizing abortion, taking out In God We Trust off of our money. What next…..do tell.

pdixon   November 5th, 2008 12:41 am ET

I am African American in California, straight, married, kid and voted NO ON 8!!!!!!!!

joe six pack   November 5th, 2008 12:41 am ET

Time to put all phobias behind. Let people have the right to share their lives like anybody else under the same rights and protections

Elisabeth   November 5th, 2008 12:40 am ET

I am white, straight and praying that Prop. 8 loses. Separate is not equal in the United States. Love should be celebrated. Discrimination rejected.

NJ   November 5th, 2008 12:40 am ET

This is unfortunate.

Christopher Estep   November 5th, 2008 12:39 am ET

Darth,
This whole proposal would be unnecessary of the state supreme court hadn't invented that so-called right to begin with. over 100 years as a state and "poof!" this right suddenly appears.

pablo   November 5th, 2008 12:39 am ET

vote yes on 8 is truly gay

CLINTON   November 5th, 2008 12:39 am ET

I DOUBT IS A "GAY MARRIAGE PHOBIA" JOE, UNLESS OF COURSE YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD…

"GOD BLESS AMERICA"

Rudy   November 5th, 2008 12:38 am ET

Tuan, get a grip. Your guy lost and Barack won! We are moving forward to a great time in America. And yes, Barack Obama favors equal rights for gays and lesbians….YES WE CAN!

Patriotic   November 5th, 2008 12:38 am ET

George Washington didnt have any experience, and he did all right.

Cinnamon Kilburn   November 5th, 2008 12:38 am ET

Congratulations to all gay married people in California. I wish you the best. I hope someday same sex marriage will be legal all over the country, so my partner and I can be married as well. Tonight is a moment in history my future children will be studying. Me and my partner will explain to them the importance of voting, as well as the importance of equal rights.

suzanne   November 5th, 2008 12:38 am ET

why did I bother to vote? Why did I spend months listening to the candidates? One second after 8, when my polls had just closed, Obama was elected. Why? I voted for Obama but my vote hadn't had one second to be counted.

Kyle   November 5th, 2008 12:37 am ET

I'm disturbed that so many people say that opposition to Prop 8 is about being tolerant. Yet, these same people created an advertisement for California television stations against the Mormon Church. This is tolerance? Why is it that we must be tolerant of one group of people, but at the same time intolerant of another?

Travis   November 5th, 2008 12:37 am ET

Interesting that AAs are voted predominantly *for* the ban.

KathleenM1   November 5th, 2008 12:36 am ET

Proves once again that religion is the breeding ground of ignorance and prejudice. Wouldn't it be great if it were gay and lesbian Americans who are the ones to put the final nail in the coffin of Christian bigotry.

XYZ   November 5th, 2008 12:36 am ET

I Voted a American into the WHITE house
HIS SKIN DIDNT MATTER TO ME
SO painting the white house black is soooo Racist
A lot of White Americans like my self Voted for Obama

Gary   November 5th, 2008 12:36 am ET

Those exit polls aren't matching the ballot results….Prop 8 is being defeated so far –54% to 46%.

Ignacio Lopez   November 5th, 2008 12:36 am ET

This is an issue that should not be mixed with civil rights. This is about respecting and preserving the institution of marriage between a man and a woman. God created males for females and females for males, gay couples already have the rights of partner benefits.

Jerry Smith   November 5th, 2008 12:36 am ET

tuan

Leave the White House and it's proud American tradition, alone.

The Obamas will live in it just like the Bushes, and the Kennedys, and the Lincolns did.

You extremists are always screwing things up with your irrational fantasies.

Hilary   November 5th, 2008 12:35 am ET

Equal protection and equal rights for everyone!!

Dan from Philly   November 5th, 2008 12:34 am ET

Great news!

Nothing but bigotry and hostility makes people oppose gay marriage. I'm sorry to see it's so close, but one step at a time.

Oh, and tuan, shut up loser. Better some white fossil Bush clone wins? Eat it, sucker.

Barbara in NC   November 5th, 2008 12:34 am ET

tuan – you are one sick puppy – seek professional help

Pete   November 5th, 2008 12:33 am ET

Let freedom ring!

DCskies   November 5th, 2008 12:33 am ET

tuan-

"we should repaint the white house into black to celebrate this historic moment .. "

That's crossing a line. While I to see and celebrate watching history in the making, to even suggestion something of that nature represents the very ideas that Senator, excuse me, President Elect, Obama is trying to move away from. One nation, one people.

Tim   November 5th, 2008 12:33 am ET

Please take Tuan's comment off–how can this be in any sense acceptable at this moment? Or any moment?

justin   November 5th, 2008 12:30 am ET

I hope they stay 55-45…not in my state

Walt, Belton,TX   November 5th, 2008 12:30 am ET

God help U.S. The hell with Mexifornia……….

David   November 5th, 2008 12:30 am ET

I believe that gays should be recognized by the state and have all the benefits but marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God. That is it. Nothing else to discuss.

Brandi-bottom of the boot   November 5th, 2008 12:29 am ET

I certainly hope we dont go backwards in time regarding the rights of people to love who they choose.

Darth Vadik, CA   November 5th, 2008 12:27 am ET

I'm looking at the results coming in and I hope the exit polls are correct.

We amend the constitution to add rights, not take them away.

tuan   November 5th, 2008 12:26 am ET

we should repaint the white house into black to celebrate this historic moment .. first time ever ever a black man with no expericences got an opt to run this nation..

Joe, The Obama Supporter!   November 5th, 2008 12:25 am ET

We elected an AA President, Time to get over the Gay Marriage phobia.

WE ARE ALL ONE PEOPLE AND ALL DESERVE THE SAME RIGHTS!!

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