Key Votes

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Vote Smart provides easy access to congressional and state voting records and maintains a collection of key votes grouped by issue. Vote Smart uses the following criteria to select key votes:

  1. The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue
  2. The vote should be clear for any person to understand
  3. The vote has received media attention
  4. The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin
  5. Occasionally, if a specific bill is consistently inquired about on the Voter's Research Hotline, the vote will be added

Vote Smart provides a summary of the version of the bill text associated with each selected key vote. Our summaries are written by Vote Smart's staff and interns, who adhere to our strict policies and procedures in order to guarantee absolute impartiality and accuracy. They do not necessarily reflect the content of the final version of the bill, but rather the version voted on in that stage. While many procedural votes take place before a full chamber vote, our voting stages reflect the final reading of each chamber vote. Each key vote selection is reviewed by the project's community of advisors, who are political scientists and journalists from all fifty states.

For more information about the legislative process, see here.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Feb. 17, 2014 IN HJR 3 Defines Marriage as Between 1 Man and 1 Woman Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
Feb. 17, 2014 IN HJR 3 Defines Marriage as Between 1 Man and 1 Woman Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2014 NM SJR 13 Increases the Minimum Wage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 17)
Feb. 13, 2014 NM HB 11 Increases Compensation for Elected State Officers Bill Failed - House (29 - 32)
Feb. 13, 2014 NM HB 82 Prohibits a State Official from Working as a Lobbyist for 2 Years After Leaving Office Bill Passed - House (43 - 23)
Feb. 13, 2014 NM HB 11 Increases Compensation for Elected State Officers Bill Failed - House (29 - 32)
Feb. 12, 2014 MI SB 319 Amends the Sentencing Procedure for Certain Juvenile Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 12, 2014 KS HB 2453 Authorizes an Individual to Refuse Services Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (72 - 49)
Feb. 12, 2014 SD SB 142 Increases Salary for State Legislators Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2014 WI AB 161 Authorizes the Appeal of Court Orders that Suspend State Law Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
Feb. 11, 2014 UT HB 96 Establishes a School Readiness Board Bill Passed - House (49 - 24)
Feb. 11, 2014 VA SB 590 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 10, 2014 SD HB 1158 Establishes a Prenatal Care Program for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - House (46 - 22)
Feb. 10, 2014 SD HB 1158 Establishes a Prenatal Care Program for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - House (46 - 22)
Feb. 6, 2014 KY SB 1 Authorizes Legislature to Review Administrative Regulations Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 14)
Feb. 6, 2014 KY SB 1 Authorizes Legislature to Review Administrative Regulations Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 14)
Feb. 6, 2014 KY HB 1 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (54 - 44)
Feb. 5, 2014 IL SB 1227 Extends the Date for the Governor to Submit the State Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
Feb. 5, 2014 SD HJR 1002 Increases Legislative Term Limit Length Joint Resolution Passed - House (54 - 16)
Feb. 5, 2014 TN SJR 123 Requires Election of Attorney General Position Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 14)
Feb. 4, 2014 National HR 2642 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (68 - 32)
Feb. 4, 2014 MI SB 319 Amends the Sentencing Procedure for Certain Juvenile Offenders Bill Passed - House (62 - 48)
Feb. 4, 2014 IL SB 1227 Extends the Date for the Governor to Submit the State Budget Bill Passed - House (62 - 48)
Feb. 4, 2014 KY SB 58 Repeals the Office of the State Secretary of the Treasury Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 3, 2014 VA HB 706 Authorizes Legislators to Hire Counsel to Represent Virginia in Court Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
Feb. 3, 2014 VA HB 706 Authorizes Legislators to Hire Counsel to Represent Virginia in Court Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
Jan. 31, 2014 WA SB 6523 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
Jan. 31, 2014 WA SB 6523 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
Jan. 30, 2014 NH SB 217 Prohibits Employees from Being Required to Join a Labor Union Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 13)
Jan. 30, 2014 IN HB 1321 Authorizes Certain School Corporations to Establish Innovation Network Schools Bill Passed - House (54 - 37)
Jan. 30, 2014 SD HJR 1001 Authorizes Additional Types of Games in Deadwood City Casinos Amendment Adopted - House (37 - 30)
Jan. 29, 2014 National HR 2642 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Conference Report Adopted - House (251 - 166)
Jan. 28, 2014 IN HB 1351 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (71 - 22)
Jan. 28, 2014 IN HJR 3 Defines Marriage as Between 1 Man and 1 Woman Joint Resolution Passed - House (57 - 40)
Jan. 28, 2014 IN HJR 3 Defines Marriage as Between 1 Man and 1 Woman Joint Resolution Passed - House (57 - 40)
Jan. 27, 2014 NY A 8070 Requires Equal Pay Bill Passed - House (88 - 43)
Jan. 23, 2014 IN SB 50 Prohibits the Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
Jan. 16, 2014 IN HB 1004 Establishes Preschool Scholarship System for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (87 - 9)
Jan. 14, 2014 National S 1845 Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 45)
Dec. 17, 2013 PA HB 1234 Reduces Size of General Assembly Joint Resolution Passed - House (148 - 50)
Dec. 11, 2013 MI HB 4369 Expands the Education Achievement Authority Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Dec. 11, 2013 National HR 2019 Kids First Research Act of 2013 Bill Passed - House (295 - 103)
Dec. 5, 2013 National H Amdt 524 Limits Covered Customers to Businesses With Less Than $25 Million in Revenue Amendment Rejected - House (144 - 266)
Dec. 5, 2013 National H Amdt 521 Authorizes Judicial Discretion in Awarding Legal Fees in Patent Lawsuits Amendment Rejected - House (199 - 213)
Dec. 5, 2013 National HR 3309 Innovation Act Bill Passed - House (325 - 91)
Dec. 3, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 53)
Dec. 3, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 53)
Dec. 3, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 24)
Dec. 3, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 24)
Nov. 21, 2013 National S 1197 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (51 - 44)
Nov. 20, 2013 National H Amdt 499 Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to Require Certain Findings for Categorical Exclusions Amendment Rejected - House (194 - 228)
Nov. 20, 2013 National H Amdt 503 Requires a Report on the Effect of Flooding on Oil and Gas Facilities Amendment Rejected - House (202 - 221)
Nov. 20, 2013 National H Amdt 498 Specifies That Certain Fees Do Not Limit the Right to Petition Amendment Rejected - House (199 - 222)
Nov. 20, 2013 National H Amdt 504 Appropriates $10 Million to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Amendment Rejected - House (195 - 226)
Nov. 20, 2013 National HR 1965 Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act Bill Passed - House (228 - 192)
Nov. 19, 2013 MA Amdt 1 Increases the Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Amendment Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
Nov. 19, 2013 MA S 1925 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Nov. 12, 2013 HI SB 1 - HD 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 4)
Nov. 8, 2013 HI SB 1 - HD 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (30 - 19)
Nov. 7, 2013 National S 815 Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 32)
Nov. 7, 2013 National S Amdt 2013 Exempts Religiously Affiliated Employers from the Prohibition on Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55)
Nov. 6, 2013 IL SB 1523 Amends Pension Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
Nov. 6, 2013 IL SB 1523 Amends Pension Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
Nov. 6, 2013 MI SB 652 Amends Court of Claims Judge Appointment Procedures Bill Passed - House (57 - 52)
Nov. 5, 2013 IL SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
Nov. 5, 2013 IL SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (61 - 54)
Nov. 5, 2013 WI AB 297 Amends Laws Concerning the Use of Race-Based Nicknames, Logos, Mascots, and Team Names Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Nov. 4, 2013 National S 815 Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 30)
Oct. 30, 2013 MI SB 652 Amends Court of Claims Judge Appointment Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Oct. 30, 2013 National H J Res 99 Disapproval of the President's Exercise of Authority to Suspend the Debt Limit Joint Resolution Passed - House (222 - 191)
Oct. 29, 2013 National S J Res 26 A Joint Resolution Relating to the Disapproval of the President's Exercise of Authority to Suspend the Debt Limit, as Submitted Under Section 1002(b) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014 on October 17, 2013 Motion Rejected - Senate (45 - 54)
Oct. 16, 2013 National HR 2775 Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (285 - 144)
Oct. 16, 2013 National HR 2775 Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 Bill Passed - Senate (81 - 18)
Oct. 15, 2013 WI AB 297 Amends Laws Concerning the Use of Race-Based Nicknames, Logos, Mascots, and Team Names Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
Oct. 10, 2013 National H J Res 79 Border Security and Enforcement Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 Joint Resolution Passed - House (249 - 175)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/17 HJR 3 Defines Marriage as Between 1 Man and 1 Woman Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
2/17 HJR 3 Defines Marriage as Between 1 Man and 1 Woman Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
2/14 SJR 13 Increases the Minimum Wage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 17)
2/13 HB 11 Increases Compensation for Elected State Officers Bill Failed - House (29 - 32)
2/13 HB 82 Prohibits a State Official from Working as a Lobbyist for 2 Years After Leaving Office Bill Passed - House (43 - 23)
2/13 HB 11 Increases Compensation for Elected State Officers Bill Failed - House (29 - 32)
2/12 SB 319 Amends the Sentencing Procedure for Certain Juvenile Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
2/12 HB 2453 Authorizes an Individual to Refuse Services Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (72 - 49)
2/12 SB 142 Increases Salary for State Legislators Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/11 AB 161 Authorizes the Appeal of Court Orders that Suspend State Law Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
2/11 HB 96 Establishes a School Readiness Board Bill Passed - House (49 - 24)
2/11 SB 590 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/10 HB 1158 Establishes a Prenatal Care Program for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - House (46 - 22)
2/10 HB 1158 Establishes a Prenatal Care Program for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - House (46 - 22)
2/06 SB 1 Authorizes Legislature to Review Administrative Regulations Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 14)
2/06 SB 1 Authorizes Legislature to Review Administrative Regulations Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 14)
2/06 HB 1 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (54 - 44)
2/05 SB 1227 Extends the Date for the Governor to Submit the State Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
2/05 HJR 1002 Increases Legislative Term Limit Length Joint Resolution Passed - House (54 - 16)
2/05 SJR 123 Requires Election of Attorney General Position Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 14)
2/04 HR 2642 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (68 - 32)
2/04 SB 319 Amends the Sentencing Procedure for Certain Juvenile Offenders Bill Passed - House (62 - 48)
2/04 SB 1227 Extends the Date for the Governor to Submit the State Budget Bill Passed - House (62 - 48)
2/04 SB 58 Repeals the Office of the State Secretary of the Treasury Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
2/03 HB 706 Authorizes Legislators to Hire Counsel to Represent Virginia in Court Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
2/03 HB 706 Authorizes Legislators to Hire Counsel to Represent Virginia in Court Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
1/31 SB 6523 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
1/31 SB 6523 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
1/30 SB 217 Prohibits Employees from Being Required to Join a Labor Union Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 13)
1/30 HB 1321 Authorizes Certain School Corporations to Establish Innovation Network Schools Bill Passed - House (54 - 37)
1/30 HJR 1001 Authorizes Additional Types of Games in Deadwood City Casinos Amendment Adopted - House (37 - 30)
1/29 HR 2642 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Conference Report Adopted - House (251 - 166)
1/28 HB 1351 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (71 - 22)
1/28 HJR 3 Defines Marriage as Between 1 Man and 1 Woman Joint Resolution Passed - House (57 - 40)
1/28 HJR 3 Defines Marriage as Between 1 Man and 1 Woman Joint Resolution Passed - House (57 - 40)
1/27 A 8070 Requires Equal Pay Bill Passed - House (88 - 43)
1/23 SB 50 Prohibits the Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
1/16 HB 1004 Establishes Preschool Scholarship System for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (87 - 9)
1/14 S 1845 Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 45)
12/17 HB 1234 Reduces Size of General Assembly Joint Resolution Passed - House (148 - 50)
12/11 HB 4369 Expands the Education Achievement Authority Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
12/11 HR 2019 Kids First Research Act of 2013 Bill Passed - House (295 - 103)
12/05 H Amdt 524 Limits Covered Customers to Businesses With Less Than $25 Million in Revenue Amendment Rejected - House (144 - 266)
12/05 H Amdt 521 Authorizes Judicial Discretion in Awarding Legal Fees in Patent Lawsuits Amendment Rejected - House (199 - 213)
12/05 HR 3309 Innovation Act Bill Passed - House (325 - 91)
12/03 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 53)
12/03 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 53)
12/03 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 24)
12/03 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 24)
11/21 S 1197 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (51 - 44)
11/20 H Amdt 499 Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to Require Certain Findings for Categorical Exclusions Amendment Rejected - House (194 - 228)
11/20 H Amdt 503 Requires a Report on the Effect of Flooding on Oil and Gas Facilities Amendment Rejected - House (202 - 221)
11/20 H Amdt 498 Specifies That Certain Fees Do Not Limit the Right to Petition Amendment Rejected - House (199 - 222)
11/20 H Amdt 504 Appropriates $10 Million to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Amendment Rejected - House (195 - 226)
11/20 HR 1965 Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act Bill Passed - House (228 - 192)
11/19 Amdt 1 Increases the Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Amendment Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
11/19 S 1925 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
11/12 SB 1 - HD 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 4)
11/08 SB 1 - HD 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (30 - 19)
11/07 S 815 Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 32)
11/07 S Amdt 2013 Exempts Religiously Affiliated Employers from the Prohibition on Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55)
11/06 SB 1523 Amends Pension Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
11/06 SB 1523 Amends Pension Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
11/06 SB 652 Amends Court of Claims Judge Appointment Procedures Bill Passed - House (57 - 52)
11/05 SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
11/05 SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (61 - 54)
11/05 AB 297 Amends Laws Concerning the Use of Race-Based Nicknames, Logos, Mascots, and Team Names Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
11/04 S 815 Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 30)
10/30 SB 652 Amends Court of Claims Judge Appointment Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
10/30 H J Res 99 Disapproval of the President's Exercise of Authority to Suspend the Debt Limit Joint Resolution Passed - House (222 - 191)
10/29 S J Res 26 A Joint Resolution Relating to the Disapproval of the President's Exercise of Authority to Suspend the Debt Limit, as Submitted Under Section 1002(b) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014 on October 17, 2013 Motion Rejected - Senate (45 - 54)
10/16 HR 2775 Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (285 - 144)
10/16 HR 2775 Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 Bill Passed - Senate (81 - 18)
10/15 AB 297 Amends Laws Concerning the Use of Race-Based Nicknames, Logos, Mascots, and Team Names Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
10/10 H J Res 79 Border Security and Enforcement Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 Joint Resolution Passed - House (249 - 175)

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