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
May 22, 2025 NV SB 102 Prohibits a Person from Creating or Serving in a False Slate of Presidential Electors or Conspiring to Create or Serve in a False Slate of Electors Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
May 22, 2025 CT SB 1405 Limits Elections Watchdog Independence Bill Passed - House (92 - 46)
May 22, 2025 NJ A 4969 Requires that Boards of Elections have Discretion to Make Initial Determination of Validity of Cast Ballots and Requires Secretary of State to Establish Uniform Guidelines for Assessing Validity of Ballots (76 - 2)
May 20, 2025 ME LD 1576 Prohibits Legislative Staff from Lobbying for at Least a Year after Leaving Their Positions "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (115 - 28)
May 19, 2025 MN SF 3045 Appropriates Funding for the Omnibus State Government Finance and Elections Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 18)
May 13, 2025 PA HB 1396 Establishes Elections Regulations Bill Passed - House (102 - 101)
May 8, 2025 RI H 5872 Prohibits the Use of Artificially Generated or Altered Campaign Materials Without Disclosure Within 90 Days of Any Election Bill Passed - House (66 - 1)
May 7, 2025 AL SB 158 Prohibits Using Foreign National Driver's Licenses as a Form of Identification when Voting Bill Passed - House (82 - 13)
May 7, 2025 AL SB 142 Repeals the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) as a Voter Registration Database Bill Passed - House (86 - 10)
May 7, 2025 OK SB 1027 Limits Petitions for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - House (70 - 21)
May 7, 2025 LA HB 667 Reduces State Income Taxes with Voter Passage of a Proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill Passed - House (86 - 13)
May 6, 2025 AZ SB 1097 Requires Arizona Schools to Close on Election Days to Serve as Polling Places Bill Passed - House (31 - 23)
May 2, 2025 CO HB 25-1327 Requires Proponents of Ballot Measures to Report When They Have 75% of the Required Number of Voter Signatures to Make the Ballot Concurrence Vote Passed - House (43 - 18)
May 2, 2025 CO HB 25-1315 Requires That Members of the General Assembly Appointed Through a Vacancy Committee Serve No More Than One Year Before Running for Election Before the Electorate Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 8)
May 1, 2025 MN SF 3045 Appropriates Funding for the Omnibus State Government Finance and Elections Bill Bill Passed - House (113 - 21)
April 30, 2025 TX HB 366 Requires Disclosures on Certain Political Advertising that Contains Altered Media and Creates a Criminal Offense Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
April 28, 2025 CO SB 25-001 Establishes Protections for Voters in a Protected Class and Authorizes the Filing of Civil Suits for Discrimination Bill Passed - House (59 - 3)
April 28, 2025 AK HB 16 Limits State Politicians' Ability to Accept Campaign Donations Bill Passed - House (22 - 18)
April 28, 2025 AK HB 16 Limits State Politicians' Ability to Accept Campaign Donations Bill Passed - House (22 - 18)
April 22, 2025 AL HB 479 Prohibits the State from Participating in the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) Bill Passed - House (74 - 28)
April 22, 2025 NV AB 73 Requires the Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Campaign Materials Bill Passed - House (42 - 0)
April 22, 2025 NV AB 499 Requires Voter Photo Identification and Reforms to Mail Voting and Voter Registration Systems Bill Passed - House (30 - 12)
April 17, 2025 AZ SB 1375 Requires County Recorders to Provide Free Public Access to Voter Information Rolls Through an Online Portal Bill Passed - House (32 - 25)
April 16, 2025 AZ SB 1280 Requires the County Board of Supervisors or the Officer in Charge of Elections in a County to Send the Cast Vote Record to the Secretary of State within 48 Hours After the County's Canvass is Submitted Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
April 16, 2025 AZ SB 1534 Requires the Legislative Council to Create Titles for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
April 16, 2025 AZ SB 1612 Requires Companies that Seek State Contracts or Grants to Disclose "Anything of Value" They Have Provided to the Governor, a Gubernatorial Campaign, or Other Entities Bill Passed - House (31 - 25)
April 16, 2025 AZ SB 1612 Requires Companies that Seek State Contracts or Grants to Disclose "Anything of Value" They Have Provided to the Governor, a Gubernatorial Campaign, or Other Entities Bill Passed - House (31 - 25)
April 15, 2025 AL HB 480 Prohibits Individuals from Using a Foreign National's Driver's License or ID to Vote in Alabama Elections Bill Passed - House (76 - 5)
April 14, 2025 MO SB 22 Limits Power of the Courts to Rewrite Summary Statements by the General Assembly for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - House (109 - 46)
April 10, 2025 WV HB 3016 Requires a Photo ID to Vote In Person Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 10)
April 10, 2025 National HR 22 Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act Bill Passed - House (220 - 208)
April 7, 2025 AR HJR 1018 Establishes a Citizens-Only Voting Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (82 - 6)
April 5, 2025 MT HB 821 Amends Vote Requirements to Enact Constitutional Amendment by Initiative Bill Passed - House (56 - 42)
April 5, 2025 MT HB 822 Amends Vote Requirements to Enact Constitutional Amendments by Legislative Referendum Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
April 2, 2025 VA HB 2056 Authorizes Localities to Set Hours of Operation for Satellite Voting Locations Veto Override Failed - House (50 - 44)
April 2, 2025 VA HB 1657 Establishes Timelines for Removal of Ineligible Voters Veto Override Failed - House (50 - 46)
April 1, 2025 MT HB 201 Requires Signature Gatherers to Disclose to Individuals They Approach Their First Name and the State Where they Legally Reside Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 42)
April 1, 2025 MT HB 201 Requires Signature Gatherers to Disclose to Individuals They Approach Their First Name and the State Where they Legally Reside Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 42)
April 1, 2025 IN SB 10 Prohibits Use of School IDs for Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (66 - 26)
March 31, 2025 SD HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 18)
March 31, 2025 IN SB 287 Amends School Board Elections to be Partisan Races Bill Passed - House (54 - 40)
March 27, 2025 KS HB 2056 Requires Specific Intent as an Element of the Crime of False Representation of an Election Official Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 37)
March 27, 2025 KS HB 2054 Increases the Amount Individuals and Organizations Can Donate to Political Candidates Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 52)
March 27, 2025 KS HB 2054 Increases the Amount Individuals and Organizations Can Donate to Political Candidates Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 52)
March 27, 2025 NH HB 613 Authorizes a Cities to Not Provide Accessible Voting Machines Provided They Posted an Announcement At Least 3 Months Before the Election Asking Voters to Request the Machines be Available in Writing "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (197 - 158)
March 27, 2025 MO HB 575 Amends Provisions for Initiative Petitions and Referendums Bill Passed - House (103 - 49)
March 26, 2025 KS HB 2016 Requires an Obituary Notice from a Funeral Grounds to Remove an Individual from the Voter Rolls Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 26)
March 25, 2025 KS SB 4 Establishes Deadline for Returning Absentee Ballots Veto Override Passed - House (84 - 41)
March 25, 2025 IA HF 954 Authorizes the Secretary of State's Office to Contract with Certain Entities for Voter Roll Verification Bill Passed - House (65 - 31)
March 25, 2025 IA HF 928 Establishes New Election Recount Procedures in Iowa Bill Passed - House (66 - 31)
March 24, 2025 KS HB 2206 Amends and Renames it the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 44)
March 24, 2025 KS HB 2206 Amends and Renames it the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 44)
March 24, 2025 NJ A 3025 Exempts Poll Worker Wages from Affecting Unemployment Compensation Bill Passed - House (70 - 7)
March 19, 2025 OH HB 28 Prohibits Local Governments from Asking Voters to Approve What's Called a "Replacement" Levy Bill Passed - House (62 - 30)
March 18, 2025 AL HB 30 Requires Post-Election Audits Bill Passed - House (63 - 30)
March 17, 2025 AR HB 1574 Amends Current Arkansas Laws Regarding Paid Canvassers Bill Passed - House (75 - 16)
March 17, 2025 AR HB 1574 Amends Current Arkansas Laws Regarding Paid Canvassers Bill Passed - House (75 - 16)
March 14, 2025 KY HB 45 Prohibits Foreign Donors and Entities from Donating to Campaigns for Ballot Measures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 12)
March 13, 2025 KS SB 6 Prohibits the Use of Ranked-Choice Voting Bill Passed - House (86 - 37)
March 13, 2025 KS SB 5 Prohibits Use of Funds Provided by Congress for Elections and Election-Related Activities Unless Approved by the Legislature Bill Passed - House (86 - 37)
March 13, 2025 KS SB 5 Prohibits Use of Funds Provided by Congress for Elections and Election-Related Activities Unless Approved by the Legislature Bill Passed - House (86 - 37)
March 12, 2025 SD SB 68 Requires an Individual be a Citizen of the United States Before Being Eligible to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 4)
March 11, 2025 SD HB 1208 Authorizes Mail-In Absentee Voting for Out of State Residents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 13)
March 11, 2025 SD HB 1062 Amends Provisions Pertaining to the Maintenance and Publication of the Statewide Voter Registration File Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 17)
March 11, 2025 SD HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 6)
March 11, 2025 SD HB 1066 Requires New State Residents to Reside in the State for 30 Consecutive Days before Voting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 18)
March 11, 2025 AR SB 209 Prohibits Signatures Gathered by Canvassers Which Violated State Law Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
March 11, 2025 ID H 362 Prohibits Elected State and Federal Officials from Simultaneously Serving in Elected City, School or Highway District Positions Bill Passed - House (43 - 27)
March 7, 2025 MT HB 818 Prohibits Most Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiative Organizations Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
March 7, 2025 MT HB 818 Prohibits Most Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiative Organizations Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
March 6, 2025 UT HB 300 Repeals Automatic Mail-In Voting and Requires Voters Provide the Last 4 Digits of Their State Identification Number with Return Envelopes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 15)
Feb. 28, 2025 WY HB 156 Requires 30-Day Residency Before Registering to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 3)
Feb. 27, 2025 KS SB 4 Establishes Deadline for Returning Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - House (80 - 39)
Feb. 27, 2025 MN HF 72 Prohibits Organizations From Spending State Funding on Political Causes Bill Passed - House (130 - 3)
Feb. 25, 2025 AR SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Bill Passed - House (70 - 24)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/22 SB 102 Prohibits a Person from Creating or Serving in a False Slate of Presidential Electors or Conspiring to Create or Serve in a False Slate of Electors Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
5/22 SB 1405 Limits Elections Watchdog Independence Bill Passed - House (92 - 46)
5/22 A 4969 Requires that Boards of Elections have Discretion to Make Initial Determination of Validity of Cast Ballots and Requires Secretary of State to Establish Uniform Guidelines for Assessing Validity of Ballots (76 - 2)
5/20 LD 1576 Prohibits Legislative Staff from Lobbying for at Least a Year after Leaving Their Positions "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (115 - 28)
5/19 SF 3045 Appropriates Funding for the Omnibus State Government Finance and Elections Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 18)
5/13 HB 1396 Establishes Elections Regulations Bill Passed - House (102 - 101)
5/08 H 5872 Prohibits the Use of Artificially Generated or Altered Campaign Materials Without Disclosure Within 90 Days of Any Election Bill Passed - House (66 - 1)
5/07 SB 158 Prohibits Using Foreign National Driver's Licenses as a Form of Identification when Voting Bill Passed - House (82 - 13)
5/07 SB 142 Repeals the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) as a Voter Registration Database Bill Passed - House (86 - 10)
5/07 SB 1027 Limits Petitions for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - House (70 - 21)
5/07 HB 667 Reduces State Income Taxes with Voter Passage of a Proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill Passed - House (86 - 13)
5/06 SB 1097 Requires Arizona Schools to Close on Election Days to Serve as Polling Places Bill Passed - House (31 - 23)
5/02 HB 25-1327 Requires Proponents of Ballot Measures to Report When They Have 75% of the Required Number of Voter Signatures to Make the Ballot Concurrence Vote Passed - House (43 - 18)
5/02 HB 25-1315 Requires That Members of the General Assembly Appointed Through a Vacancy Committee Serve No More Than One Year Before Running for Election Before the Electorate Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 8)
5/01 SF 3045 Appropriates Funding for the Omnibus State Government Finance and Elections Bill Bill Passed - House (113 - 21)
4/30 HB 366 Requires Disclosures on Certain Political Advertising that Contains Altered Media and Creates a Criminal Offense Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
4/28 SB 25-001 Establishes Protections for Voters in a Protected Class and Authorizes the Filing of Civil Suits for Discrimination Bill Passed - House (59 - 3)
4/28 HB 16 Limits State Politicians' Ability to Accept Campaign Donations Bill Passed - House (22 - 18)
4/28 HB 16 Limits State Politicians' Ability to Accept Campaign Donations Bill Passed - House (22 - 18)
4/22 HB 479 Prohibits the State from Participating in the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) Bill Passed - House (74 - 28)
4/22 AB 73 Requires the Disclosure of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Campaign Materials Bill Passed - House (42 - 0)
4/22 AB 499 Requires Voter Photo Identification and Reforms to Mail Voting and Voter Registration Systems Bill Passed - House (30 - 12)
4/17 SB 1375 Requires County Recorders to Provide Free Public Access to Voter Information Rolls Through an Online Portal Bill Passed - House (32 - 25)
4/16 SB 1280 Requires the County Board of Supervisors or the Officer in Charge of Elections in a County to Send the Cast Vote Record to the Secretary of State within 48 Hours After the County's Canvass is Submitted Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
4/16 SB 1534 Requires the Legislative Council to Create Titles for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
4/16 SB 1612 Requires Companies that Seek State Contracts or Grants to Disclose "Anything of Value" They Have Provided to the Governor, a Gubernatorial Campaign, or Other Entities Bill Passed - House (31 - 25)
4/16 SB 1612 Requires Companies that Seek State Contracts or Grants to Disclose "Anything of Value" They Have Provided to the Governor, a Gubernatorial Campaign, or Other Entities Bill Passed - House (31 - 25)
4/15 HB 480 Prohibits Individuals from Using a Foreign National's Driver's License or ID to Vote in Alabama Elections Bill Passed - House (76 - 5)
4/14 SB 22 Limits Power of the Courts to Rewrite Summary Statements by the General Assembly for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - House (109 - 46)
4/10 HB 3016 Requires a Photo ID to Vote In Person Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 10)
4/10 HR 22 Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act Bill Passed - House (220 - 208)
4/07 HJR 1018 Establishes a Citizens-Only Voting Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (82 - 6)
4/05 HB 821 Amends Vote Requirements to Enact Constitutional Amendment by Initiative Bill Passed - House (56 - 42)
4/05 HB 822 Amends Vote Requirements to Enact Constitutional Amendments by Legislative Referendum Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
4/02 HB 2056 Authorizes Localities to Set Hours of Operation for Satellite Voting Locations Veto Override Failed - House (50 - 44)
4/02 HB 1657 Establishes Timelines for Removal of Ineligible Voters Veto Override Failed - House (50 - 46)
4/01 HB 201 Requires Signature Gatherers to Disclose to Individuals They Approach Their First Name and the State Where they Legally Reside Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 42)
4/01 HB 201 Requires Signature Gatherers to Disclose to Individuals They Approach Their First Name and the State Where they Legally Reside Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 42)
4/01 SB 10 Prohibits Use of School IDs for Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (66 - 26)
3/31 HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 18)
3/31 SB 287 Amends School Board Elections to be Partisan Races Bill Passed - House (54 - 40)
3/27 HB 2056 Requires Specific Intent as an Element of the Crime of False Representation of an Election Official Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 37)
3/27 HB 2054 Increases the Amount Individuals and Organizations Can Donate to Political Candidates Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 52)
3/27 HB 2054 Increases the Amount Individuals and Organizations Can Donate to Political Candidates Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 52)
3/27 HB 613 Authorizes a Cities to Not Provide Accessible Voting Machines Provided They Posted an Announcement At Least 3 Months Before the Election Asking Voters to Request the Machines be Available in Writing "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (197 - 158)
3/27 HB 575 Amends Provisions for Initiative Petitions and Referendums Bill Passed - House (103 - 49)
3/26 HB 2016 Requires an Obituary Notice from a Funeral Grounds to Remove an Individual from the Voter Rolls Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 26)
3/25 SB 4 Establishes Deadline for Returning Absentee Ballots Veto Override Passed - House (84 - 41)
3/25 HF 954 Authorizes the Secretary of State's Office to Contract with Certain Entities for Voter Roll Verification Bill Passed - House (65 - 31)
3/25 HF 928 Establishes New Election Recount Procedures in Iowa Bill Passed - House (66 - 31)
3/24 HB 2206 Amends and Renames it the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 44)
3/24 HB 2206 Amends and Renames it the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 44)
3/24 A 3025 Exempts Poll Worker Wages from Affecting Unemployment Compensation Bill Passed - House (70 - 7)
3/19 HB 28 Prohibits Local Governments from Asking Voters to Approve What's Called a "Replacement" Levy Bill Passed - House (62 - 30)
3/18 HB 30 Requires Post-Election Audits Bill Passed - House (63 - 30)
3/17 HB 1574 Amends Current Arkansas Laws Regarding Paid Canvassers Bill Passed - House (75 - 16)
3/17 HB 1574 Amends Current Arkansas Laws Regarding Paid Canvassers Bill Passed - House (75 - 16)
3/14 HB 45 Prohibits Foreign Donors and Entities from Donating to Campaigns for Ballot Measures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 12)
3/13 SB 6 Prohibits the Use of Ranked-Choice Voting Bill Passed - House (86 - 37)
3/13 SB 5 Prohibits Use of Funds Provided by Congress for Elections and Election-Related Activities Unless Approved by the Legislature Bill Passed - House (86 - 37)
3/13 SB 5 Prohibits Use of Funds Provided by Congress for Elections and Election-Related Activities Unless Approved by the Legislature Bill Passed - House (86 - 37)
3/12 SB 68 Requires an Individual be a Citizen of the United States Before Being Eligible to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 4)
3/11 HB 1208 Authorizes Mail-In Absentee Voting for Out of State Residents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 13)
3/11 HB 1062 Amends Provisions Pertaining to the Maintenance and Publication of the Statewide Voter Registration File Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 17)
3/11 HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 6)
3/11 HB 1066 Requires New State Residents to Reside in the State for 30 Consecutive Days before Voting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 18)
3/11 SB 209 Prohibits Signatures Gathered by Canvassers Which Violated State Law Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
3/11 H 362 Prohibits Elected State and Federal Officials from Simultaneously Serving in Elected City, School or Highway District Positions Bill Passed - House (43 - 27)
3/07 HB 818 Prohibits Most Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiative Organizations Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
3/07 HB 818 Prohibits Most Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiative Organizations Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
3/06 HB 300 Repeals Automatic Mail-In Voting and Requires Voters Provide the Last 4 Digits of Their State Identification Number with Return Envelopes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 15)
2/28 HB 156 Requires 30-Day Residency Before Registering to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 3)
2/27 SB 4 Establishes Deadline for Returning Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - House (80 - 39)
2/27 HF 72 Prohibits Organizations From Spending State Funding on Political Causes Bill Passed - House (130 - 3)
2/25 SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Bill Passed - House (70 - 24)

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