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RALEIGH – The big issue on the ballot this primary season is the Marriage Amendment, a proposal that would ban same-sex marriage in North Carolina's constitution. It has been a hot-button issue among the supporters and opponents since the General Assembly voted to put it on the ballot last fall.

The 27-word amendment, which is likely to pass according to recent polls, reads “ A constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state."

There has been a sharp divide between the two sides of the issue. Supporters have been campaigning in churches and at rallies, saying it will protect traditional marriage, but opponents have been very vocal saying they believe it is worded too vague and will have far-reaching consequences including hurting domestic violence victims and those who currently get some same-sex couple benefits.

With no hotly-contested presidential primary on the ballot this year and less-than-anticipated interest in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, many voters point to this ballot initiative as the reason they are heading to the polls this primary season.

Early voting numbers broke records this year and there are reports of steady traffic at the ballots Tuesday but it will take a huge turnout from the opponents to overcome what is expected to be a win for the supporters, who held a 16 point lead in the most recent poll on this issue.