New poll: Equal divide on gay marriage

A poll released today by Public Policy Polling of North Carolina shows Question 1 in a dead heat, with 48 percent yes, 48 percent no and 4 percent undecided.

Tom Jensen, spokesman for the polling firm, said they were not paid by either side to conduct the poll. They used an automated system to poll 1,130 likely voters. The margin of error is just under 3 percent.

Jensen said for polls on sensitive topics such as this, they believe it’s better to use an automated voice instead of a live human being.

“Some people think they shouldn’t be against gay marriage and they are, so they don’t tell the poller the truth,” he said.

Voters on Nov. 3 will be asked whether they want to reject the new state law that allows gay and lesbian couples to marry in Maine.