Did Some Media Outlets Call Prop 8 Too Soon?

This morning, The Los Angeles Times and People made some maybe-too-quick-calls in calling Yes On Prop 8 a victory so early (both, at around 8 AM PST).

The fight over the controversial California ballot initiative, which has had a combined over-$70 million poured into it from both sides (a national record in spending for an initiative), is not necessarily over yet, although the Proposition looks likely to pass now.

Even though attorney Gloria Allred, who represents the first gay couple legally married in California back in June of this year, has filed a legal challenge, she may have jumped the gun early on this one too.

(there are various other groups issuing challenges, as well -- they are listed here)

The truth is, at 12:30 PM PST on Wednesday, November 5, roughly 400,000 votes separate "Yes" from "No" (with 97% of precincts reporting) - and the "No" campaign expects, "that there are more than 3 million and possibly as many as 4 million absentee and provisional ballots yet to be counted." The No On 8 campaign has not yet conceded defeat.

(note: at this time, the Yes on 8 campaign, has not declared victory on their Web site -- however, some supporters did declare victory at a rally just after midnight.)

These media outlets should take a cue from others (such as KABC and KCBS) and wait until the California Secretary of State speaks on Thursday to declare how many votes are yet to be counted, before calling the race.

This is irresponsible journalism, at best, and the LA Times and People might want to examine why they made the call so early on this controversial proposition.