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
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)
April 19, 2013 MT SB 408 Limits General Election Candidates to Top 2 From Primary Election Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
April 19, 2013 MT SB 405 Repeals Same-Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
April 18, 2013 AZ HB 2282 Requires a Primary During Recall Elections Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 18)
April 17, 2013 MT SB 405 Repeals Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
April 17, 2013 MT SB 408 Limits General Election Candidates to Top 2 From Primary Election Bill Passed - House (57 - 43)
April 17, 2013 CT HJR 36 Authorizes Early and Absentee Voting Bill Passed - House (90 - 49)
April 17, 2013 IL HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - House (95 - 22)
April 9, 2013 AR HB 1855 Classifies the Office of Prosecuting Attorney as Nonpartisan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
April 9, 2013 AZ HB 2593 Amends Campaign Finance Limits Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
April 9, 2013 AR HJR 1009 Amends Campaign Contribution Laws Joint Resolution Passed - House (71 - 12)
April 8, 2013 MD HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 40)
April 8, 2013 MD HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
April 8, 2013 MT HB 30 Prohibits Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
April 4, 2013 MT HB 217 Exempts Religious Organizations from Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 41)
April 4, 2013 CA AB 131 Amends Voter Registration Requirements Bill Passed - House (47 - 23)
April 3, 2013 WV HB 2805 Establishes a Public Campaign Financing Program for Supreme Court of Appeals Candidates Bill Passed - House (70 - 29)
April 2, 2013 MS SB 2199 Requires Appointed Superintendents Conference Report Rejected - House (52 - 66)
April 1, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (52 - 45)
March 28, 2013 MT HB 217 Exempts Religious Organizations from Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
March 27, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
March 26, 2013 KY SB 13 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol on Election Days Bill Passed - House (50 - 46)
March 26, 2013 KY SB 13 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol on Election Days Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
March 26, 2013 OR HB 2988 Reduces Minimum Voter Registration Age to 16 Bill Passed - House (35 - 25)
March 22, 2013 ID S 1108 Increases Petition Signature Requirements Bill Passed - House (45 - 21)
March 21, 2013 NJ S 2364 Requires Early Voting to be Available for Certain Elections Bill Passed - House (46 - 31)
March 20, 2013 OH SB 47 Prohibits Collection of Petition Signatures after Filing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
March 20, 2013 OH SB 47 Prohibits Collection of Petition Signatures after Filing Bill Passed - House (57 - 38)
March 20, 2013 AR HB 1855 Classifies the Office of Prosecuting Attorney as Nonpartisan Bill Passed - House (63 - 24)
March 19, 2013 KS HB 2022 Prohibits Automatic Deductions by Public Labor Organizations for Political Fundraising Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 54)
March 19, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
March 19, 2013 TX SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
March 18, 2013 NJ S 2364 Requires Early Voting to be Available for Certain Elections Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
March 14, 2013 KS HB 2022 Prohibits Automatic Deductions by Public Labor Organizations for Political Fundraising Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
March 13, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (51 - 44)
March 12, 2013 AR HB 1357 Requires Special Elections to Be Held On Certain Days Bill Passed - House (68 - 22)
March 11, 2013 KY SB 1 Establishes an Electronic Ballot Transmission System for Military and Overseas Voters Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
March 11, 2013 ID S 1108 Increases Petition Signature Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
March 11, 2013 MD SB 279 Amends Early Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
March 7, 2013 MO HJR 4 Increases Representative Term Limits Joint Resolution Passed - House (121 - 31)
March 7, 2013 AZ HB 2282 Requires a Primary During Recall Elections Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
March 7, 2013 NM SB 276 Authorizes Straight-Party Voting as a Ballot Option Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 17)
March 6, 2013 KY HB 2 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (53 - 46)
Feb. 28, 2013 KS SB 63 Authorizes Secretary of State to Prosecute Election Fraud Cases Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 28, 2013 AZ HB 2593 Amends Campaign Finance Limits Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
Feb. 26, 2013 MT HB 229 Amends Campaign Finance Limits Bill Passed - House (58 - 40)
Feb. 21, 2013 MT HB 254 Requires Disclaimers on Elections Materials Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
Feb. 20, 2013 VA SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
Feb. 20, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Feb. 14, 2013 MO HB 48 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (105 - 48)
Feb. 5, 2013 VA SB 719 Amends Voting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 5, 2013 VA SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 1, 2013 MT HB 30 Prohibits Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
Jan. 31, 2013 KS HB 2023 Prohibits Manditory Labor Organizational Fees for Political Purposes Bill Passed - House (68 - 56)
Jan. 28, 2013 VA SB 690 Reduces the Number of Signatures Required to Run for President Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Oct. 18, 2012 NJ A 2870 Establishes Online Vote Registration Bill Passed - House (46 - 30)
Oct. 18, 2012 NJ AR 86 Opposes the U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Citizens United Versus Federal Elections Commission Resolution Passed - House (49 - 23)
Sept. 19, 2012 National HR 5912 Prohibits Public Funding for Political Party Conventions Bill Passed - House (310 - 95)
Aug. 29, 2012 CA ACA 10 Limits Citizen-led Initiatives to Amend the State Constitution Amendment Rejected - House (41 - 30)
Aug. 27, 2012 CA AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 29)
Aug. 23, 2012 CA AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
July 17, 2012 National S 3369 DISCLOSE Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 45)
June 27, 2012 NH SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (232 - 110)
June 27, 2012 NH SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (231 - 112)
June 27, 2012 NH SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
June 27, 2012 NH SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
June 27, 2012 CA AB 1499 Ballot Order for Statewide Measures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 24)
June 27, 2012 CA AB 1499 Ballot Order for Statewide Measures Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
June 13, 2012 MI SB 754 Requires Photo Identification for Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 13, 2012 MI SB 803 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 12, 2012 MI SB 803 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Vote Bill Passed - House (67 - 43)
June 12, 2012 MI SB 754 Requires Photo Identification for Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
June 6, 2012 NH SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 5)
June 6, 2012 NH SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 6)
June 6, 2012 NH SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (255 - 103)
June 6, 2012 NH SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (260 - 101)
May 31, 2012 MA H Amdt 11 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Amendment Adopted - House (105 - 43)
May 31, 2012 CA AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (47 - 26)
May 29, 2012 LA HB 209 Reduces Voting Hours Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
May 24, 2012 AL SB 25 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (65 - 36)
May 24, 2012 AL HB 19 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 22, 2012 LA HB 292 School Board Member Term Limits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 22, 2012 AL SB 25 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 21, 2012 AL HB 19 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (66 - 35)
May 10, 2012 KS SB 102 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (67 - 50)
May 8, 2012 CT HB 5556 Requires Corporations to Identify Top Donors for Campaign Contributions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
May 8, 2012 OH SB 295 Repealing Provisions of the Election Revision Code Bill Passed - House (54 - 42)
May 8, 2012 CT HB 5556 Requires Corporations to Identify Top Donors for Campaign Contributions Bill Passed - House (94 - 54)
May 5, 2012 CT HB 5024 Authorizes Election Day Registration Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
May 3, 2012 MS JR 201 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (70 - 50)
May 2, 2012 MS JR 1 State House Redistricting Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 14)
May 2, 2012 MS JR 201 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 5)
April 30, 2012 CT HB 5024 Authorizes Election Day Registration Bill Passed - House (83 - 59)
April 26, 2012 MS HB 921 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 39)
April 26, 2012 MS JR 1 State House Redistricting Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 50)
April 11, 2012 NH SB 202 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (239 - 95)
April 10, 2012 MS HB 921 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
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)
4/19 SB 408 Limits General Election Candidates to Top 2 From Primary Election Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
4/19 SB 405 Repeals Same-Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
4/18 HB 2282 Requires a Primary During Recall Elections Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 18)
4/17 SB 405 Repeals Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
4/17 SB 408 Limits General Election Candidates to Top 2 From Primary Election Bill Passed - House (57 - 43)
4/17 HJR 36 Authorizes Early and Absentee Voting Bill Passed - House (90 - 49)
4/17 HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - House (95 - 22)
4/09 HB 1855 Classifies the Office of Prosecuting Attorney as Nonpartisan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
4/09 HB 2593 Amends Campaign Finance Limits Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
4/09 HJR 1009 Amends Campaign Contribution Laws Joint Resolution Passed - House (71 - 12)
4/08 HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 40)
4/08 HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
4/08 HB 30 Prohibits Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
4/04 HB 217 Exempts Religious Organizations from Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 41)
4/04 AB 131 Amends Voter Registration Requirements Bill Passed - House (47 - 23)
4/03 HB 2805 Establishes a Public Campaign Financing Program for Supreme Court of Appeals Candidates Bill Passed - House (70 - 29)
4/02 SB 2199 Requires Appointed Superintendents Conference Report Rejected - House (52 - 66)
4/01 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (52 - 45)
3/28 HB 217 Exempts Religious Organizations from Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
3/27 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
3/26 SB 13 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol on Election Days Bill Passed - House (50 - 46)
3/26 SB 13 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol on Election Days Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
3/26 HB 2988 Reduces Minimum Voter Registration Age to 16 Bill Passed - House (35 - 25)
3/22 S 1108 Increases Petition Signature Requirements Bill Passed - House (45 - 21)
3/21 S 2364 Requires Early Voting to be Available for Certain Elections Bill Passed - House (46 - 31)
3/20 SB 47 Prohibits Collection of Petition Signatures after Filing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
3/20 SB 47 Prohibits Collection of Petition Signatures after Filing Bill Passed - House (57 - 38)
3/20 HB 1855 Classifies the Office of Prosecuting Attorney as Nonpartisan Bill Passed - House (63 - 24)
3/19 HB 2022 Prohibits Automatic Deductions by Public Labor Organizations for Political Fundraising Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 54)
3/19 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
3/19 SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
3/18 S 2364 Requires Early Voting to be Available for Certain Elections Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
3/14 HB 2022 Prohibits Automatic Deductions by Public Labor Organizations for Political Fundraising Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
3/13 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (51 - 44)
3/12 HB 1357 Requires Special Elections to Be Held On Certain Days Bill Passed - House (68 - 22)
3/11 SB 1 Establishes an Electronic Ballot Transmission System for Military and Overseas Voters Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
3/11 S 1108 Increases Petition Signature Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
3/11 SB 279 Amends Early Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
3/07 HJR 4 Increases Representative Term Limits Joint Resolution Passed - House (121 - 31)
3/07 HB 2282 Requires a Primary During Recall Elections Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
3/07 SB 276 Authorizes Straight-Party Voting as a Ballot Option Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 17)
3/06 HB 2 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (53 - 46)
2/28 SB 63 Authorizes Secretary of State to Prosecute Election Fraud Cases Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/28 HB 2593 Amends Campaign Finance Limits Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
2/26 HB 229 Amends Campaign Finance Limits Bill Passed - House (58 - 40)
2/21 HB 254 Requires Disclaimers on Elections Materials Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
2/20 SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
2/20 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
2/14 HB 48 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (105 - 48)
2/05 SB 719 Amends Voting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/05 SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/01 HB 30 Prohibits Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
1/31 HB 2023 Prohibits Manditory Labor Organizational Fees for Political Purposes Bill Passed - House (68 - 56)
1/28 SB 690 Reduces the Number of Signatures Required to Run for President Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
10/18 A 2870 Establishes Online Vote Registration Bill Passed - House (46 - 30)
10/18 AR 86 Opposes the U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Citizens United Versus Federal Elections Commission Resolution Passed - House (49 - 23)
9/19 HR 5912 Prohibits Public Funding for Political Party Conventions Bill Passed - House (310 - 95)
8/29 ACA 10 Limits Citizen-led Initiatives to Amend the State Constitution Amendment Rejected - House (41 - 30)
8/27 AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 29)
8/23 AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
7/17 S 3369 DISCLOSE Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 45)
6/27 SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (232 - 110)
6/27 SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (231 - 112)
6/27 SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
6/27 SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
6/27 AB 1499 Ballot Order for Statewide Measures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 24)
6/27 AB 1499 Ballot Order for Statewide Measures Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
6/13 SB 754 Requires Photo Identification for Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/13 SB 803 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/12 SB 803 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Vote Bill Passed - House (67 - 43)
6/12 SB 754 Requires Photo Identification for Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
6/06 SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 5)
6/06 SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 6)
6/06 SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (255 - 103)
6/06 SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (260 - 101)
5/31 H Amdt 11 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Amendment Adopted - House (105 - 43)
5/31 AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (47 - 26)
5/29 HB 209 Reduces Voting Hours Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
5/24 SB 25 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (65 - 36)
5/24 HB 19 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/22 HB 292 School Board Member Term Limits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/22 SB 25 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/21 HB 19 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (66 - 35)
5/10 SB 102 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (67 - 50)
5/08 HB 5556 Requires Corporations to Identify Top Donors for Campaign Contributions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/08 SB 295 Repealing Provisions of the Election Revision Code Bill Passed - House (54 - 42)
5/08 HB 5556 Requires Corporations to Identify Top Donors for Campaign Contributions Bill Passed - House (94 - 54)
5/05 HB 5024 Authorizes Election Day Registration Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
5/03 JR 201 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (70 - 50)
5/02 JR 1 State House Redistricting Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 14)
5/02 JR 201 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 5)
4/30 HB 5024 Authorizes Election Day Registration Bill Passed - House (83 - 59)
4/26 HB 921 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 39)
4/26 JR 1 State House Redistricting Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 50)
4/11 SB 202 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (239 - 95)
4/10 HB 921 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)

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