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The campaign to pass the marriage amendment in North Carolina has received a financial boost from both of North Carolina's Catholic dioceses.

Each diocese has made a $50,000 contribution to the statewide Vote For Marriage NC campaign, a non-partisan coalition of organizations, churches and individuals across the state who have been working to educate voters and encourage them to get out and vote for the proposed constitutional amendment.

The amendment would place the definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman in the state constitution, elevating it from what is already state law. (Read the wording of the amendment and more info.)

The dioceses' donations are part of the general campaign fund that is being used to raise awareness and encourage support for the amendment as the May 8 ballot draws near. Early voting is already under way, and continues until 1 p.m. on May 5.

Both Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte and Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh have been outspoken in their support of the proposed constitutional amendment to protect the traditional definition of marriage, since the measure was placed on the ballot by the North Carolina legislature last fall. (View their four-part video series on marriage; read their statements: Bishop Jugis, Bishop Burbidge.)

A campaign finance report filed with the state board of elections shows that the Vote For Marriage NC Committee has received more than 1,000 individual donations from North Carolina residents totaling $1,192,278.59. The report period covered Jan. 1 through April 23, 2012. (Read more.)

Opponents of the amendment are outspending supporters by a significant margin. The Coalition to Protect NC Families reports raising almost twice as much, $2,035,600.90, during the same period.

Bishop Peter Jugis calls the contribution "an important use of the discretionary funds of the Diocese of Charlotte because it will help protect marriage from redefinition."

Tami Fitzgerald, chairwoman of Vote For Marriage NC, said, "We are thankful for the strong support of the people of North Carolina in our effort to preserve marriage as the union between one man and one woman in our State Constitution."

North Carolina voters can go to the polls on Tuesday, May 8, to cast their vote for the constitutional amendment – a ballot measure that is open to all voters whether or not they also may wish to participate in the Democratic and Republican primary elections also occurring on May 8.

– David Hains, Diocesan Director of Communication

Where and when to vote?

www.ncvoterguide.org: Find your polling place, check your registration status, and get details about early in-person or absentee voting.

www.ncvotered.com: The website for the nonpartisan, nonprofit North Carolina Center for Voter Education. You can also call them at 1-877-25-VOTER.

More about marriage

Explore facts about the marriage amendment and read answers to marriage questions. 

North Carolina Bishops Peter Jugis and Michael Burbidge weigh in on the marriage amendment. 

Pope Benedict XVI weighs in on marriage laws in the United States. 

Features in the April 27 edition of the Catholic News Herald about local couples: 

Carolina couples grow in faith through 'Teams of Our Lady'

A high-flying love that has lasted for six decades

Asheville couple shows lasting love despite war, separation

Opposites attract for Mount Airy couple

More online

North Carolina's Catholic bishops have produced a series of videos explaining Church teaching about the sacrament of marriage. View the videos.

 For details about the ballot initiative, go to www.catholicvoicenc.org.

To learn more about Church teaching on the sacrament of marriage and resources for your marriage, check out the following websites: ForYourMarriage.org, Marriage-Unique For a Reason, and Why Marriage Matters.

Citizenship and voting resources for Catholics: www.catholicvote.org