Proposition 8

Prop 8 is definitely THE hot button topic of this election for California, and I believe it's well summarized here (yeah, Wiki, of all places). The issue of gay marriage has an interesting history here in California, dating back to 2000 with the passing of Prop 22, a ruling by the California Supreme Court in May this year, and then now Prop 8 for this year's election.

It's interesting when you hear the little tidbits on both sides of the issue. The main thing that stuck out to me was the change in text from the original proposition to the ballot. The original proposition reads as follows:

PROPOSITION 8
This initiative measure is submitted to the people in accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 8, of the California Constitution.
This initiative measure expressly amends the California Constitution by adding a section thereto; therefore, new provisions proposed to be added are printed in italic type to indicate that they are new.
SECTION 1. Title
This measure shall be known and may be cited as the “California Marriage Protection Act.”
SECTION 2. Section 7.5 is added to Article I of the California Constitution, to read:
SEC. 7.5. Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

The title and summary were revised by Atty Gen Jerry Brown to "more accurately reflect the measure." Here's how it reads on the ballot:

ELIMINATES RIGHT OF SAME–SEX COUPLES TO MARRY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

• Changes the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California.
• Provides that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

I suppose it is technically accurate, but that is quite shift, isn't it? From supposedly "protecting marriage" to "eliminating rights."

So whatever side you're on for this issue, as well as any other issue or candidate on your local, state, or for the national ballot, just make sure you do your research.

Instead of telling you to go vote, I'm gonna go further and say do your research first, then vote.