A few weeks ago, I profiled the five most interesting state ballot propositions. And while you guys were all busy witnessing history in Grant Park, Missourians, South Dakotans, Californians, Massachusettsians and Washingtonians were voting on five of the most contentious ballot referenda in the election cycle. Here’s how they fared.

California’s Proposition 8 - which would amend the California constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman, overturning the California Supreme Court decision which legalized gay marriage six months ago. After months of contentious and expensive campaigning (the proposition battle was the second most expensive election this cycle), the proposition passed, 52-48. The fate of the 18,000 or so married couples is unclear. Kenji Yoshino, professor at NYU’s School of Law, wrote in Slate that any number of outcomes were possible, including the marriages being invalidated by the state of California, but still recognized by other states, such as New York. One of the most commented-upon aspects of the race was the racial and age breakdown of the vote. According to exit polls, whites narrowly opposed it, with 51 percent voting against it, Hispanics split 63-47 in favor, Asians were 49-51 against and African Americans were 70-30 in favor. Voters aged 18-29 voted 39-61 against, while all other age groups supported the proposition by at least a 20 point margin. Obama won the state 67-31.

Missouri’s Amendment 1 - which would mandate that English be the only language spoken in government meetings, overwhelmingly passed 86-14. It won every single county. No word on whether Brian Nieves, the state representative who championed the proposition, lunged at any colleagues in celebration.

Washington’s Initiative 1000 - a proposition that intended to legalize assisted suicide, passed 59-41 (though not all votes have yet been counted.) As of now, it’s unclear if anyone has died of excitement.

South Dakota’s Initiated Measure 11 - which was yet another attempt to force a legal challenge to Roe v. Wade by banning abortion except in cases where a mother’s life or health were at risk, or in cases of rape or incest, failed 55-45. Don’t expect an outbreak of abortion to sweep over South Dakota. The state only has one abortion clinic, and it’s staffed by doctors who live in Minnesota.

Massachusetts Question 2 - which will essentially decriminalize marijuana by making the punishment for possession of up to an ounce a $100 ticket, passed 65-35. Now in Massachusetts, you don’t have to be afraid of a possession conviction sending you to jail or being put on your permanent record when you spark up. But watch out, those of you who like to get baked in the Bay State, the new law doesn’t take effect for 30 days. Sure, it’s a long wait, but maybe you can invite your gay Californian friends out for a pick-me-up New Year’s.