Gay marriage, marijuana highlight ballot measures across U.S.

Residents in Maine, Maryland and Washington voted on ballot measures to legalize same-sex marriage, and Minnesota voted on whether to place a ban on gay marriage in the state constitution.

* Marijuana legalization was on the ballot in Washington, Oregon and Colorado; each measure would allow adults to possess small amounts of pot under a regimen of state regulation and taxation.

* In Arkansas and Massachusetts, voters were deciding whether to allow marijuana use for medical reasons, as 17 states have done. Arkansas would be the first Southern state in that group.

* California voters were deciding whether to repeal the state's death penalty. If the measure prevailed, the more than 720 inmates on death row there would have their sentences converted to life in prison.

* Massachusetts could join Oregon and Washington in allowing terminally ill patients to obtain lethal doses of medication if doctors say they have six months or less to live.

* Another contentious measure in California would require most genetically engineered processed foods sold in supermarkets and other outlets to be labeled as such.

* California labor unions were the target of a measure that would prohibit them from collecting money for state political activities from members through paycheck deductions.

* In Michigan, labor unions succeeded in getting a vote on a first-of-its-kind ballot initiative that would put collective bargaining rights in the state constitution.

* Maryland voters were deciding whether to uphold a new state law allowing some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges.

* A measure in Montana would require people who receive certain state services to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.

* Oklahoma voters voted on whether to abolish affirmative action programs in state government and education.

* Minnesotans were deciding on an amendment that would require showing a photo ID in order to vote.