Pot, gay marriage, suicide are ballot-item topics

After all the economy-focused campaign talk, voters in some states will get a chance on Election Day to sound off on intriguing topics that the presidential rivals ignored, including death-penalty repeal, marijuana legalization and assisted suicide.

In all, there are 176 measures on the Nov. 6 ballots in 38 states.

Many are technical proposals addressing state finances and regulations. Others, however, are dramatic and divisive measures that would, if approved, be historic milestones for U.S. social policy.

Any of three states – Maine, Maryland and Washington – could become the first to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote.

Washington is in another group of states, with Oregon and Colorado, which could become the first to legalize recreational use of marijuana, allowing adults to possess small amounts of pot.