Fifty-five percent (55%) of voters say that the same sex marriage issue was somewhat or very important in their voting decision last Tuesday. This includes 34% who deemed the issue "very important."

Among those who said the issue was very important, 84% support the traditional definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. A separate survey found that 10% of voters said that cultural issues were the most important in determining their vote this year. These voters overwhelmingly supported President Bush.

From a political perspective, one of the more significant findings is that pro-Life voters are overwhelmingly opposed to same-sex marriage. However, those who are pro-Choice on the issue of abortion are divided on the issue of same-sex marriage.

As a result, 40% of voters are both pro-Life and opposed to same-sex marriage. Just 27% are both pro-Choice and supportive of same-sex marriage.

Republicans favor proposals to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman by an 83% to 9% margin. Democrats are evenly divided with 46% in favor of the traditional definition of marriage and 44% opposed. Among those not affiliated with either political party, 50% favor the traditional definition of marriage and 40% do not.

From a policy perspective, 36% of voters want the President to only consider Supreme Court nominees who are opposed to same-sex marriage. Eleven percent (11%) want him to only nominate judges who favor same sex marriage. A plurality, 48%, think he should consider both.

An earlier survey found that voters believed that the Massachusetts State Supreme Court exceeded their authority by mandating same-sex marriages for their state.

Rasmussen Reports provides daily updates on the economic confidence of American Consumers and Investors and the political environment. We also track, on a weekly basis, ratings of how President Bush is handling the economy and Iraq, and who voters believe is winning the War on Terror.