Final polls in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington show that marriage equality is poised to make history today.

Voters across America have never approved marriage equality at the ballot box. But as Americans have grown increasingly supportive of gay and lesbian couples marrying, 2012 appears to be the year of sea change.

In Maine, the nation’s eastern-most state, 55 percent of likely Maine voters support Question 1, the marriage-equality measure. Only 42 percent disapprove of the measure. The poll was conducted by Critical Insights for the state’s largest newspaper, the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram.

Maine’s legislature had approved same-sex marriage in 2009, but voters overturned the law later that year by referendum.

In Maryland, several polls show that a majority of voters support the marriage-equality measure, including those taken by the Washington Post and Goucher College. One poll taken by the Baltimore Sun showed only 46 percent approval of the measure, but some critics have questioned the polling methods.

In Washington, polls show majority support for Referendum 74 to approve the state law authorizing marriage equality.

In Minnesota, voters appear poised to reject a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. A poll conducted by Public Policy Polling shows that 52 percent oppose the ban and 45 percent support it.

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Tags: Decision 2012, Maine, Marriage Equality, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington (State)

Filed under: National Headlines