5 controversial ballot initiatives from around the nation

Rival activists are squaring off on everything from gay rights to the death penalty

Supporters of gay marriage in California: Four states will address the same-sex marriage issue this election.
(Image credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The presidential campaign is drawing the bulk of the national media's attention, but it's far from the only thing voters will have on their minds come election day. States across the country are putting initiatives on their ballots that could have profound effects on everything from gay rights to the death penalty to abortion rights. Where are the most hotly contested ballot initiatives, and what's at stake? Here, a list of five issues that will hang in the balance on Nov. 6:

1. Gay marriage

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