November 2, 2009 Turnout key to same sex marriage vote Play video

(NECN: Amy Sinclair, Portland, Maine) - Hundreds of same sex marriage proponents turned out for a noontime rally in Portland to remind Mainers about what's at stake for couples like Jim Bishop and Steve Ryan.

"We will be free to marry, something we've wanted for a long time a dream come true," Ryan said.

With opinion polls showing Mainers evenly split, both sides know its all about getting supporters to the polls.

"Raise your hand if you'll talk to 5 people in the next 24 hours," Jessie Connolly, campaign manager of Equality Maine, said.

Yes On One volunteers spent the day leaving reminders on supporters doors.

The Yes On One campaign is also highlighting the plight of school social worker Don Mendell, who may face professional repercussions because he voiced his opposition to gay marriage in a TV ad.

The No On One campaign dismissed this as 11th hour distraction

"Smoke and mirrors. No one should be fired for speaking out on either side of this issue," Connolly said.

In a typical off year election, it's older voters who reliably go to the polls rain or shine -- and if that holds true this time the Yes On One campaign thinks the new law will be repealed.

With that in mind, No On One has been working to beef up turnout with a massive field effort.

"We worked hard to get new people to register," Connolly said. "We also getting people who voted for the first time in the Obama election."

So much attention

and money fueling this debate. Most Mainers have an opinion about same sex marriage. The question now is whether they care enough cast a vote.