Supporters of Referendum 71-- which would preserve the domestic partnership law for gays and lesbians -- released an internal poll showing the measure leading slightly.
The campaign's Greenberg Quinlan Rosner (GQR) tracking poll had the measure leading 53 percent to 36 percent, with the rest undecided.
In September, the margin was 51–44 percent.
A campaign press release said the new numbers showed that support for the measure is solidifying while the opposition is becoming more uncertain.
With the election tight, the campaign appeared to release the numbers to urge supporters to turn in their ballots in this final week before next Tuesday's election.
"This is both good—and cautionary—news," said Approve 71 campaign chair Anne Levinson in the release. "These results show that when voters understand what the domestic partnership law is—and the many families who will be harmed if it is repealed—they will vote to approve it.
"Yet, we also know that in an off-year election, older, more conservative voters turn out in greater numbers. While there is broad statewide support for treating all families equally, those who vote will determine the outcome of this election," Levinson continued. "This poll makes a very clear point: those who want to ensure that legal protections aren't taken away from gay and lesbian families absolutely have to vote."
Approve 71 campaign manager Josh Friedes noted in the release that only a small percentage of voters have turned in their ballots so far.
"What our poll shows us is that if supportive voters cast their ballots, we will win. That's why getting fair-minded voters to cast their ballots on time is so important—we're seeing ballots from less urban parts of the state being sent in, while voters in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties are not yet mailing their ballots in large numbers,” said Friedes.
”We are also reaching out to younger voters—who often don’t vote in off-year elections—to mail in their ballots," added Friedes. "Younger voters could make a big difference since they tend to be more supportive, and many are not included in the poll because they are not considered likely voters.
"We need people to spend the five minutes to fill-out the ballot. And then we need them to actually put a stamp on the envelope—or two stamps if they live in Pierce County—and mail it.
"Basic legal protections for thousands of committed couples hinge on this simple act," concluded Friedes. "Our message is 'Vote now!'"
