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
March 10, 2015 SD SB 69 Amends Procedures for Elections and Election Petitions Bill Passed - House (41 - 25)
March 9, 2015 KY HB 203 Increases Limit on Individual Campaign Donations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
March 6, 2015 AZ SB 1340 Requires Photo Identification for Early Ballot Volunteers Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
March 5, 2015 OR HB 2177 Establishes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
March 3, 2015 OK SB 315 Amends Absentee Ballot Application Procedure Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
Feb. 26, 2015 KS SB 171 Amends Voting Schedule Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 26, 2015 MT SB 289 Requires Certain Political Groups to Disclose Expenditures Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
Feb. 25, 2015 AZ HB 2608 Amends Signature Requirements for Political Candidate Nominations Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
Feb. 23, 2015 NJ S 2430 Requires Disclosure of Political Contributions Bill Passed - House (53 - 15)
Feb. 20, 2015 OR HB 2177 Establishes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
Feb. 19, 2015 MO HJR 1 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (118 - 39)
Feb. 19, 2015 MO SB 104 Establishes Deadline for Changes to Ballot Measures Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 19, 2015 MO HB 30 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (118 - 37)
Feb. 3, 2015 WV SB 249 Repeals Straight-Ticket Voting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
Dec. 1, 2014 NJ S 536 Amends Early Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
Oct. 23, 2014 NJ S 2430 Requires Disclosure of Political Contributions Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
Sept. 11, 2014 National S J Res 19 A Joint Resolution Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of the United States Relating to Contributions and Expenditures Intended to Affect Elections Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
Aug. 11, 2014 FL SB 2-A Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (71 - 38)
Aug. 11, 2014 FL SB 2-A Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
June 23, 2014 CA AJR 1 Requests Constitutional Convention to Overturn Citizens United Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
June 18, 2014 RI H 8072A Repeals Straight Party Voting Option on Election Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
May 30, 2014 IL HB 105 Authorizes Election Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 41)
May 30, 2014 IL HB 105 Authorizes Election Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17)
May 29, 2014 CA AB 1873 Authorizes the Use of Mail Ballots During Special Elections Bill Passed - House (44 - 32)
May 29, 2014 CA SB 1253 Amends Legislative Initiative Measure Laws Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
May 22, 2014 NH SB 120 Requires Certain Political Organizations to Disclose Individual Contributors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
May 14, 2014 MO HJR 90 Authorizes Early Voting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (92 - 57)
May 14, 2014 NH SB 120 Requires Certain Political Organizations to Disclose Individual Contributors Bill Passed - House (186 - 119)
May 12, 2014 MO HJR 90 Authorizes Early Voting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
May 8, 2014 CA SB 27 Requires Certain Nonprofit Organizations to Disclose Donors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
May 6, 2014 CT SB 455 Amends the Funding for the Public Campaign Finance Program Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
May 5, 2014 CA SB 27 Requires Certain Nonprofit Organizations to Disclose Donors Bill Passed - House (58 - 12)
May 5, 2014 MO SB 892 Amends Presidential Primary Dates Bill Passed - House (101 - 47)
May 2, 2014 CT SB 455 Amends the Funding for the Public Campaign Finance Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
May 2, 2014 MN SF 2099 Requires Political Contributions by Corporations to be Subject to the Individual Income Tax Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 23)
April 29, 2014 MN HF 2096 Authorizes Online Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
April 22, 2014 AZ SB 1344 Amends Responsibilities of Clean Elections Commission Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
April 21, 2014 AZ SB 1344 Amends Responsibilities of Clean Elections Commission Bill Failed - House (29 - 25)
April 10, 2014 MO SB 892 Amends Presidential Primary Dates Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
March 25, 2014 NY S 3149 Requires the President to be Elected by Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (102 - 33)
March 20, 2014 WI SB 324 Amends the Absentee Voting Procedures Bill Passed - House (56 - 38)
March 20, 2014 WI SB 655 Amends Campaign Finance and Lobbying Laws Bill Passed - House (54 - 37)
March 18, 2014 KY SB 205 Authorizes a Candidate to Appear on a Ballot Twice Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
March 13, 2014 MO HB 1902 Amends Presidential Primary Dates Bill Passed - House (97 - 48)
March 12, 2014 KS HB 2210 Amends the Date by Which a Voter May Change Party Affiliation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
March 12, 2014 WI SB 324 Amends the Absentee Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
March 12, 2014 WI SB 655 Amends Campaign Finance and Lobbying Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
March 10, 2014 CA AB 800 Authorizes the Fair Political Practices Commission to Conduct Audits and Investigations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 19)
March 10, 2014 UT HB 410 Authorizes Early Online Presidential Primaries Bill Passed - House (58 - 14)
Feb. 27, 2014 AZ SB 1344 Amends Responsibilities of Clean Elections Commission Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 27, 2014 MO HJR 47 Amends Election Laws Bill Passed - House (103 - 50)
Feb. 20, 2014 CA AB 800 Authorizes the Fair Political Practices Commission to Conduct Audits and Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Feb. 20, 2014 AZ HB 2196 Repeals Certain Elections Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 19, 2014 OH SB 238 Reduces Number of Absentee Voting Days Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Feb. 19, 2014 OH SB 205 Amends Absentee Ballot Voting Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Feb. 19, 2014 OH SB 205 Amends Absentee Ballot Voting Laws Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
Feb. 19, 2014 OH SB 238 Reduces Number of Absentee Voting Days Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
Feb. 13, 2014 AZ HB 2196 Repeals Certain Elections Laws Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
Feb. 11, 2014 NY A 689A Authorizes Early Voting Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
Feb. 5, 2014 TN SJR 123 Requires Election of Attorney General Position Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 14)
Jan. 30, 2014 CA AJR 1 Requests Constitutional Convention to Overturn Citizens United Bill Passed - House (51 - 20)
Jan. 16, 2014 VT S 82 Amends Campaign Finance Law Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 8)
Dec. 12, 2013 MI SB 661 Amends Campaign Finance Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Dec. 11, 2013 MI SB 661 Amends Campaign Finance Regulations Bill Passed - House (56 - 52)
Dec. 11, 2013 National HR 2019 Kids First Research Act of 2013 Bill Passed - House (295 - 103)
Nov. 14, 2013 MI SB 661 Amends Campaign Finance Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Aug. 23, 2013 KY HB 1 State Legislative Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 18)
Aug. 23, 2013 KY HB 1 State Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
Aug. 8, 2013 CA AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 25)
July 25, 2013 NC HB 589 Amends Voter Registration Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 41)
July 25, 2013 NC HB 589 Amends Voter Registration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
July 8, 2013 CA AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
July 7, 2013 OR HB 3521 Requires Voter Registration Agencies to Provide Records for Automatic Registration Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
June 25, 2013 OR HB 3521 Requires Voter Registration Agencies to Provide Records for Automatic Registration Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
June 23, 2013 TX SB 3 State House Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 3 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 2 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (109 - 30)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
June 14, 2013 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
June 13, 2013 AZ HB 2305 Amends Voting Procedures Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 13)
June 13, 2013 AZ HB 2305 Amends Voting Procedures Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 26)
June 4, 2013 CT HB 6580 Authorizes Unlimited Spending in State Legislative Elections Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 31, 2013 CT HB 6580 Authorizes Unlimited Spending in State Legislative Elections Bill Passed - House (71 - 59)
May 28, 2013 OR SB 154 Requires Signature Gathering Firms to Meet Certain Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
May 23, 2013 NV AB 440 Extends Voter Registration Period Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 23, 2013 NV AB 441 Authorizes Voting Centers for All Eligible Voters in a City or County Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 23, 2013 CA AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Bill Passed - House (49 - 23)
May 20, 2013 AL SB 445 Repeals Limits on Campaign Financing Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 4)
May 15, 2013 IL HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 9)
May 15, 2013 TX SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
May 8, 2013 CT HJR 36 Authorizes Early and Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
May 8, 2013 MN HF 894 Amends Election Provisions Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
May 3, 2013 CO HB 1303 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 28)
May 2, 2013 CO HB 1303 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
April 30, 2013 ME SP 548 Urges Congress to Adopt a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Campaign Finance Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 31)
April 30, 2013 AL HB 162 Amends the Voter Registration Deadline Bill Passed - House (67 - 34)
April 30, 2013 ME SP 548 Urges Congress to Adopt a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Campaign Finance Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
April 26, 2013 TX HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
April 24, 2013 FL HB 569 Amends State Campaign Finance Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 34)
April 23, 2013 NV AB 441 Authorizes Voting Centers for All Eligible Voters in a City or County Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/10 SB 69 Amends Procedures for Elections and Election Petitions Bill Passed - House (41 - 25)
3/09 HB 203 Increases Limit on Individual Campaign Donations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
3/06 SB 1340 Requires Photo Identification for Early Ballot Volunteers Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
3/05 HB 2177 Establishes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
3/03 SB 315 Amends Absentee Ballot Application Procedure Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
2/26 SB 171 Amends Voting Schedule Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/26 SB 289 Requires Certain Political Groups to Disclose Expenditures Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
2/25 HB 2608 Amends Signature Requirements for Political Candidate Nominations Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
2/23 S 2430 Requires Disclosure of Political Contributions Bill Passed - House (53 - 15)
2/20 HB 2177 Establishes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
2/19 HJR 1 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (118 - 39)
2/19 SB 104 Establishes Deadline for Changes to Ballot Measures Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/19 HB 30 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (118 - 37)
2/03 SB 249 Repeals Straight-Ticket Voting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
12/01 S 536 Amends Early Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
10/23 S 2430 Requires Disclosure of Political Contributions Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
9/11 S J Res 19 A Joint Resolution Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of the United States Relating to Contributions and Expenditures Intended to Affect Elections Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
8/11 SB 2-A Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (71 - 38)
8/11 SB 2-A Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
6/23 AJR 1 Requests Constitutional Convention to Overturn Citizens United Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
6/18 H 8072A Repeals Straight Party Voting Option on Election Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
5/30 HB 105 Authorizes Election Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 41)
5/30 HB 105 Authorizes Election Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17)
5/29 AB 1873 Authorizes the Use of Mail Ballots During Special Elections Bill Passed - House (44 - 32)
5/29 SB 1253 Amends Legislative Initiative Measure Laws Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
5/22 SB 120 Requires Certain Political Organizations to Disclose Individual Contributors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
5/14 HJR 90 Authorizes Early Voting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (92 - 57)
5/14 SB 120 Requires Certain Political Organizations to Disclose Individual Contributors Bill Passed - House (186 - 119)
5/12 HJR 90 Authorizes Early Voting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
5/08 SB 27 Requires Certain Nonprofit Organizations to Disclose Donors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
5/06 SB 455 Amends the Funding for the Public Campaign Finance Program Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
5/05 SB 27 Requires Certain Nonprofit Organizations to Disclose Donors Bill Passed - House (58 - 12)
5/05 SB 892 Amends Presidential Primary Dates Bill Passed - House (101 - 47)
5/02 SB 455 Amends the Funding for the Public Campaign Finance Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
5/02 SF 2099 Requires Political Contributions by Corporations to be Subject to the Individual Income Tax Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 23)
4/29 HF 2096 Authorizes Online Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
4/22 SB 1344 Amends Responsibilities of Clean Elections Commission Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
4/21 SB 1344 Amends Responsibilities of Clean Elections Commission Bill Failed - House (29 - 25)
4/10 SB 892 Amends Presidential Primary Dates Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
3/25 S 3149 Requires the President to be Elected by Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (102 - 33)
3/20 SB 324 Amends the Absentee Voting Procedures Bill Passed - House (56 - 38)
3/20 SB 655 Amends Campaign Finance and Lobbying Laws Bill Passed - House (54 - 37)
3/18 SB 205 Authorizes a Candidate to Appear on a Ballot Twice Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
3/13 HB 1902 Amends Presidential Primary Dates Bill Passed - House (97 - 48)
3/12 HB 2210 Amends the Date by Which a Voter May Change Party Affiliation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
3/12 SB 324 Amends the Absentee Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
3/12 SB 655 Amends Campaign Finance and Lobbying Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
3/10 AB 800 Authorizes the Fair Political Practices Commission to Conduct Audits and Investigations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 19)
3/10 HB 410 Authorizes Early Online Presidential Primaries Bill Passed - House (58 - 14)
2/27 SB 1344 Amends Responsibilities of Clean Elections Commission Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/27 HJR 47 Amends Election Laws Bill Passed - House (103 - 50)
2/20 AB 800 Authorizes the Fair Political Practices Commission to Conduct Audits and Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
2/20 HB 2196 Repeals Certain Elections Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/19 SB 238 Reduces Number of Absentee Voting Days Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
2/19 SB 205 Amends Absentee Ballot Voting Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
2/19 SB 205 Amends Absentee Ballot Voting Laws Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
2/19 SB 238 Reduces Number of Absentee Voting Days Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
2/13 HB 2196 Repeals Certain Elections Laws Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
2/11 A 689A Authorizes Early Voting Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
2/05 SJR 123 Requires Election of Attorney General Position Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 14)
1/30 AJR 1 Requests Constitutional Convention to Overturn Citizens United Bill Passed - House (51 - 20)
1/16 S 82 Amends Campaign Finance Law Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 8)
12/12 SB 661 Amends Campaign Finance Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
12/11 SB 661 Amends Campaign Finance Regulations Bill Passed - House (56 - 52)
12/11 HR 2019 Kids First Research Act of 2013 Bill Passed - House (295 - 103)
11/14 SB 661 Amends Campaign Finance Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
8/23 HB 1 State Legislative Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 18)
8/23 HB 1 State Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
8/08 AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 25)
7/25 HB 589 Amends Voter Registration Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 41)
7/25 HB 589 Amends Voter Registration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
7/08 AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
7/07 HB 3521 Requires Voter Registration Agencies to Provide Records for Automatic Registration Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
6/25 HB 3521 Requires Voter Registration Agencies to Provide Records for Automatic Registration Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
6/23 SB 3 State House Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/21 SB 3 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
6/21 SB 2 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (109 - 30)
6/21 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
6/14 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
6/13 HB 2305 Amends Voting Procedures Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 13)
6/13 HB 2305 Amends Voting Procedures Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 26)
6/04 HB 6580 Authorizes Unlimited Spending in State Legislative Elections Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/31 HB 6580 Authorizes Unlimited Spending in State Legislative Elections Bill Passed - House (71 - 59)
5/28 SB 154 Requires Signature Gathering Firms to Meet Certain Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
5/23 AB 440 Extends Voter Registration Period Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/23 AB 441 Authorizes Voting Centers for All Eligible Voters in a City or County Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/23 AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Bill Passed - House (49 - 23)
5/20 SB 445 Repeals Limits on Campaign Financing Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 4)
5/15 HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 9)
5/15 SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
5/08 HJR 36 Authorizes Early and Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
5/08 HF 894 Amends Election Provisions Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
5/03 HB 1303 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 28)
5/02 HB 1303 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
4/30 SP 548 Urges Congress to Adopt a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Campaign Finance Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 31)
4/30 HB 162 Amends the Voter Registration Deadline Bill Passed - House (67 - 34)
4/30 SP 548 Urges Congress to Adopt a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Campaign Finance Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
4/26 HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
4/24 HB 569 Amends State Campaign Finance Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 34)
4/23 AB 441 Authorizes Voting Centers for All Eligible Voters in a City or County Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)

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