(CNN) -- While the presidential candidates spar in debates and jump on gaffes, two possibly historic votes on November 6 will cut to the most primal issues: nothing less than death and love. In California, voters will decide whether to keep the death penalty on the books in America's most populous state. Meanwhile, in my own state of Minnesota, there is a good chance that a proposed constitutional amendment to bar same-sex marriage will be defeated. Each is significant because it could represent a crucial shift in momentum and a turning point â€” away from the use of the death penalty, and toward a broader societal acceptance of gay men and women.
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Voters in California will decide on death penalty and those in Minnesota on gay marriage
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Mark Osler: Each is significant because it could represent a turning point in history
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Osler: Let's see if Californians and Minnesotans choose less death and more love
California
California
Californians
@placeholder is a trendsetter and it will be meaningful when the state with the largest death row gives up the cost and moral burden of capital punishment.
California
California
Californians
While @placeholder considers the state's ability to kill its citizens, Minnesota will decide an issue related to love.
Minnesota
Minnesota
While California considers the state's ability to kill its citizens, @placeholder will decide an issue related to love.
Minnesota
Minnesota
While @placeholder is not a population giant, the symbolic value of the upcoming referendum on same-sex marriage in that state has huge symbolic importance.