Polls show
same-sex marriage ban may fail in Arizona

Arizona's Proposition 107, the so-called Protect Marriage Amendment, will most likely fail November 7, according to recently released poll figures. The polling firm Harstad Strategic Research conducted the survey over the weekend of October 7. Results show that 48% of Arizona voters are opposed to the proposed definition of marriage, with 41% in favor of it, although a crucial 11% of voters are still undecided on the issue.

Arizona Together, a political campaign committee focused on defeating measures encroaching on the rights of unmarried couples in Arizona, has been one of the proposition's leading opponents.

"We are ecstatic about this recent poll but must keep up our aggressive pace if we want to defeat Prop. 107 on November 7," said Kyrsten Sinema, the committee's chairperson. "Arizona voters don't want families and individuals to lose their health care. This survey sampling is the first indication that our education efforts are working and that Prop. 107's deceptive veil as a gay marriage ban is no longer effective."

"This type of polling result is unheard of in other states battling similar initiatives," said Steve May, Arizona Together's treasurer. "We've been laser-sharp in our communications strategy, and it is working. After learning about these new numbers, our volunteers and supporters are reenergized. With only three more weeks to go we are at a critical juncture. Our goal is to earn at least 3% of the 11% of undecided voters in the next three weeks--that's 1% a week."

Seven other states will also have similar proposals to vote on next month as well: Idaho, Tennessee, Virginia, Colorado, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and South Carolina. (The Advocate)