MADISON, Wis. -- Days before Tuesday's election, the latest poll shows that support for a state marriage amendment has a 9-point lead.

The amendment would change the state Constitution to define marriage as between a man and woman.

In the poll, 54 percent favored it and 43 percent opposed it with 5 percent undecided.

Among Madison voters, the numbers are flipped, with 53 percent opposing the marriage amendment and 38 percent supporting it.

There is also an advisory referendum on the ballot, giving voters the chance to weigh in on the death penalty in Wisconsin.

The latest WISC-TV poll showed that 57 percent of likely voters support bringing the death penalty back. In the poll, 40 percent were opposed to it and 3 percent were undecided.

The poll was conducted Monday through Wednesday of this week. The group Research 2000 conducted the survey of 600 likely voters.

WISC-TV paid for the poll, which has a 4 percent margin of error.

Churches Play Role In Marriage Referendum

Religious leaders are getting active in the marriage amendment referendum.

The bishop of the Diocese of Madison has ordered his priests to play during this weekend's Masses a recorded homily from him urging the faithful to vote "yes" on the constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Bishop Robert Morlino warns in his homily that same-sex marriage would cause the collapse of the family and society in due time.

Diocese spokesman Brent King said Thursday the bishop's actions have upset some priests and parishioners. But the bishop said he feels strongly that it's his responsibility to make sure the truth is taught in his churches.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse political science professor Joe Heim said religious leaders' efforts could influence the outcome of the referendum and boost Election Day turnout.