Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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 8, 2021 ND HB 1256 Prohibits Accepting Grants or Donations from Private Persons for Election Matters Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 22)
March 8, 2021 GA SB 241 Limits Absentee Voting to Individuals 65 and Older (29 - 20)
March 8, 2021 AZ SB 1713 Repeals Early Ballot Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 5, 2021 NM SB 304 Establishes a Citizen's Redistricting Committee Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
March 5, 2021 NY S 5357 Limits the Governor's Pandemic Emergency Powers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
March 4, 2021 SD HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20)
March 4, 2021 AZ HCR 2037 Authorizes a Simple Majority to Call a Special Session to Review Executive Powers Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 28)
March 4, 2021 AZ HCR 2037 Authorizes a Simple Majority to Call a Special Session to Review Executive Powers Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 28)
March 4, 2021 AZ HCR 2023 Prohibits the Federal Government's Interference in the State's Elections Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 29)
March 4, 2021 AZ HCR 2023 Prohibits the Federal Government's Interference in the State's Elections Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 29)
March 4, 2021 NH SB 54 Establishes New Requirements for Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
March 4, 2021 AZ HB 2302 Prohibits Settlement of Election-Related Civil Actions in Certain Cases Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
March 4, 2021 AZ HB 2794 Prohibits Election Officials from Changing Election Related Deadlines Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
March 4, 2021 AZ HB 2792 Prohibits Sending Ballots to Voters Not on the Permanent Early Voting List Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
March 4, 2021 AZ HB 2308 Establishes Guidelines for Obtaining Signatures on Recall Petitions Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
March 4, 2021 AZ HB 2039 Increases the Number of Hand-Counted Ballots Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
March 3, 2021 AR HB 1338 Amends the Petition Process to be a Candidate by Increasing the Number of Signatures Required Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
March 3, 2021 KS HB 2183 Limits the Governor's and the Secretary of States' Power in Elections Bill Passed - House (84 - 39)
March 3, 2021 MI HB 4061 Prohibits Using the Public Threat Alert System for Executive Orders Bill Passed - House (63 - 47)
March 3, 2021 AZ HB 2569 Prohibits Election Administrators from Receiving Private Funding for Conducting Elections Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
March 3, 2021 MD SB 626 Establishes a Statewide Use of Force Policy Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
March 3, 2021 National HR 1 For the People Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 210)
March 3, 2021 KS HB 2332 Establishes Requirements for Applying for Advance Voting Ballots Bill Passed - House (86 - 38)
March 3, 2021 KS HB 2183 Limits the Governor's and the Secretary of States' Power in Elections Bill Passed - House (84 - 39)
March 3, 2021 AZ SB 1003 Establishes Guidelines for the Time Voters Have to Fix Signatures on Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 3, 2021 AZ SB 1106 Prohibits Voters from Out-of-State Knowingly Voting in Presidential Elections Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 3, 2021 AZ SB 1793 Repeals Deceased Individuals from County Voter Registration Databases Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 2, 2021 National PN 78-15 Nomination of Gina Raimondo as Secretary of Commerce Nomination Confirmed - Senate (84 - 15)
March 2, 2021 AR HB 1544 Authorizes a Municipality to Declare Itself a "Pro-Life" City Bill Passed - House (76 - 16)
March 2, 2021 MT SB 319 Establishes Joint Fundraising Committees to Solicit Large Campaign Donations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
March 2, 2021 SD HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
March 2, 2021 AZ SB 1485 Rescinds Voters From the Early Ballots Mailing List Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 2, 2021 MI SB 1 Repeals the Governors Emergency Powers Act of 1945 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 2, 2021 ID S 1064 Specifies Voters Must be Issued a New Ballot of the Same Type they Originally Requested Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 1, 2021 National PN 78-5 Nomination of Miguel Cardona as Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 33)
March 1, 2021 NJ S 2973 Authorizes a County to Create the Office of Deputy Superintendent of Elections Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
March 1, 2021 ID S 1110 Increases the Counties Needed to Reach 6 Percent of Signatures for an Initiative Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
March 1, 2021 MT HB 121 Repeals the Ability for Health Boards to Implement Rules Surrounding Covid-19 Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
March 1, 2021 GA HB 531 Limits Absentee and Early Voting and Implements Election Reforms Bill Passed - House (97 - 72)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 350 Amends the Election Law Regarding Minor Parties Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 351 Authorizes County Election Administrators to Test Vote Tabulation Machines Before Automatic Tabulation Begins Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 254 Authorizes Changes in Daylight Savings Time if Neighboring States do the Same Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SB 1385 Rescinds the Sunset on a Pilot Program Allowing a Locality to Request an Electric Utility to Place Underground Electric Distribution Lines Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 7)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 40)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 40)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SB 1385 Rescinds the Sunset on a Pilot Program Allowing a Locality to Request an Electric Utility to Place Underground Electric Distribution Lines Conference Report Adopted - House (55 - 42)
Feb. 26, 2021 KY HB 574 Authorizes Early In-Person Voting and Mail-In Voting Restrictions Bill Passed - House (93 - 4)
Feb. 25, 2021 National PN 78-8 Nomination of Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 35)
Feb. 25, 2021 SD HB 1125 Requires All Ballots to be Counted Before the Counting Board Leaves Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
Feb. 25, 2021 ID H 67 Prohibits Public Health Districts from Closing Schools or Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
Feb. 25, 2021 OK HB 1236 Establishes Presidential Executive Orders as Unconstitutional Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
Feb. 25, 2021 OK HB 1236 Establishes Presidential Executive Orders as Unconstitutional Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
Feb. 25, 2021 OK HR 1005 Establishes State Sovereignty Under the 10th Amendment Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
Feb. 25, 2021 MT HB 429 Rescinds Gubernatorial Power to Suspend Election Laws During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
Feb. 25, 2021 ID H 223 Prohibits Certain Ballot Collection Practices Bill Passed - House (56 - 12)
Feb. 25, 2021 MT HB 429 Rescinds Gubernatorial Power to Suspend Election Laws During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
Feb. 24, 2021 VA HB 2020 Amends the Nomination Processes to Accommodate Servicemembers on Active Duty Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 45)
Feb. 24, 2021 IA SF 413 Amends the State's Voting Laws Bill Passed - House (57 - 37)
Feb. 24, 2021 AR HB 1112 Requires Presenting Identification in Order to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
Feb. 24, 2021 IA HF 590 Reduces the Number of Mail-In and In-Person Voting Days Amendment Rejected - House (37 - 57)
Feb. 24, 2021 NY S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 24, 2021 OH SB 3 Authorizes Ohio to Join the Nurse Licensure Compact Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
Feb. 24, 2021 GA SB 89 Establishes a New Position at the State Board of Elections Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
Feb. 24, 2021 WA HB 1068 Prohibits Disclosing Records to the Public to Preserve Election Security Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
Feb. 24, 2021 NM HJR 9 Authorizes Public Assistance in the Development of Infrastructure to be Distributed by the Legislature by a Majority Vote Joint Resolution Passed - House (44 - 24)
Feb. 24, 2021 WA HB 1078 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
Feb. 24, 2021 AZ HB 2747 Establishes the Broadband and Fiber Optic Services Study Committee Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
Feb. 24, 2021 MO HB 334 Requires Photo ID to Cast a Ballot Bill Passed - House (109 - 46)
Feb. 23, 2021 VA SB 1097 Rescinds the Mandate for a Witness Signature on Absentee Ballots Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Feb. 23, 2021 VA HB 1888 Requires the Creation of More Ballot Drop Boxes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 43)
Feb. 23, 2021 VA SB 1148 Amends the Primary Election Date Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
Feb. 23, 2021 National PN 78-21 Nomination of Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations Nomination Confirmed - Senate (78 - 21)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/08 HB 1256 Prohibits Accepting Grants or Donations from Private Persons for Election Matters Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 22)
3/08 SB 241 Limits Absentee Voting to Individuals 65 and Older (29 - 20)
3/08 SB 1713 Repeals Early Ballot Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/05 SB 304 Establishes a Citizen's Redistricting Committee Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
3/05 S 5357 Limits the Governor's Pandemic Emergency Powers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
3/04 HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20)
3/04 HCR 2037 Authorizes a Simple Majority to Call a Special Session to Review Executive Powers Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 28)
3/04 HCR 2037 Authorizes a Simple Majority to Call a Special Session to Review Executive Powers Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 28)
3/04 HCR 2023 Prohibits the Federal Government's Interference in the State's Elections Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 29)
3/04 HCR 2023 Prohibits the Federal Government's Interference in the State's Elections Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 29)
3/04 SB 54 Establishes New Requirements for Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
3/04 HB 2302 Prohibits Settlement of Election-Related Civil Actions in Certain Cases Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
3/04 HB 2794 Prohibits Election Officials from Changing Election Related Deadlines Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
3/04 HB 2792 Prohibits Sending Ballots to Voters Not on the Permanent Early Voting List Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
3/04 HB 2308 Establishes Guidelines for Obtaining Signatures on Recall Petitions Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
3/04 HB 2039 Increases the Number of Hand-Counted Ballots Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
3/03 HB 1338 Amends the Petition Process to be a Candidate by Increasing the Number of Signatures Required Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3)
3/03 HB 2183 Limits the Governor's and the Secretary of States' Power in Elections Bill Passed - House (84 - 39)
3/03 HB 4061 Prohibits Using the Public Threat Alert System for Executive Orders Bill Passed - House (63 - 47)
3/03 HB 2569 Prohibits Election Administrators from Receiving Private Funding for Conducting Elections Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
3/03 SB 626 Establishes a Statewide Use of Force Policy Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
3/03 HR 1 For the People Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 210)
3/03 HB 2332 Establishes Requirements for Applying for Advance Voting Ballots Bill Passed - House (86 - 38)
3/03 HB 2183 Limits the Governor's and the Secretary of States' Power in Elections Bill Passed - House (84 - 39)
3/03 SB 1003 Establishes Guidelines for the Time Voters Have to Fix Signatures on Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/03 SB 1106 Prohibits Voters from Out-of-State Knowingly Voting in Presidential Elections Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/03 SB 1793 Repeals Deceased Individuals from County Voter Registration Databases Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/02 PN 78-15 Nomination of Gina Raimondo as Secretary of Commerce Nomination Confirmed - Senate (84 - 15)
3/02 HB 1544 Authorizes a Municipality to Declare Itself a "Pro-Life" City Bill Passed - House (76 - 16)
3/02 SB 319 Establishes Joint Fundraising Committees to Solicit Large Campaign Donations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
3/02 HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
3/02 SB 1485 Rescinds Voters From the Early Ballots Mailing List Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/02 SB 1 Repeals the Governors Emergency Powers Act of 1945 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/02 S 1064 Specifies Voters Must be Issued a New Ballot of the Same Type they Originally Requested Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/01 PN 78-5 Nomination of Miguel Cardona as Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 33)
3/01 S 2973 Authorizes a County to Create the Office of Deputy Superintendent of Elections Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
3/01 S 1110 Increases the Counties Needed to Reach 6 Percent of Signatures for an Initiative Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
3/01 HB 121 Repeals the Ability for Health Boards to Implement Rules Surrounding Covid-19 Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
3/01 HB 531 Limits Absentee and Early Voting and Implements Election Reforms Bill Passed - House (97 - 72)
3/01 SB 350 Amends the Election Law Regarding Minor Parties Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
3/01 SB 351 Authorizes County Election Administrators to Test Vote Tabulation Machines Before Automatic Tabulation Begins Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
3/01 SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
3/01 SB 254 Authorizes Changes in Daylight Savings Time if Neighboring States do the Same Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
2/27 SB 1385 Rescinds the Sunset on a Pilot Program Allowing a Locality to Request an Electric Utility to Place Underground Electric Distribution Lines Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 7)
2/27 SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
2/27 HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
2/27 SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 40)
2/27 HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 40)
2/27 SB 1385 Rescinds the Sunset on a Pilot Program Allowing a Locality to Request an Electric Utility to Place Underground Electric Distribution Lines Conference Report Adopted - House (55 - 42)
2/26 HB 574 Authorizes Early In-Person Voting and Mail-In Voting Restrictions Bill Passed - House (93 - 4)
2/25 PN 78-8 Nomination of Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 35)
2/25 HB 1125 Requires All Ballots to be Counted Before the Counting Board Leaves Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
2/25 H 67 Prohibits Public Health Districts from Closing Schools or Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
2/25 HB 1236 Establishes Presidential Executive Orders as Unconstitutional Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
2/25 HB 1236 Establishes Presidential Executive Orders as Unconstitutional Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
2/25 HR 1005 Establishes State Sovereignty Under the 10th Amendment Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
2/25 HB 429 Rescinds Gubernatorial Power to Suspend Election Laws During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
2/25 H 223 Prohibits Certain Ballot Collection Practices Bill Passed - House (56 - 12)
2/25 HB 429 Rescinds Gubernatorial Power to Suspend Election Laws During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
2/24 HB 2020 Amends the Nomination Processes to Accommodate Servicemembers on Active Duty Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 45)
2/24 SF 413 Amends the State's Voting Laws Bill Passed - House (57 - 37)
2/24 HB 1112 Requires Presenting Identification in Order to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
2/24 HF 590 Reduces the Number of Mail-In and In-Person Voting Days Amendment Rejected - House (37 - 57)
2/24 S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/24 SB 3 Authorizes Ohio to Join the Nurse Licensure Compact Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
2/24 SB 89 Establishes a New Position at the State Board of Elections Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
2/24 HB 1068 Prohibits Disclosing Records to the Public to Preserve Election Security Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
2/24 HJR 9 Authorizes Public Assistance in the Development of Infrastructure to be Distributed by the Legislature by a Majority Vote Joint Resolution Passed - House (44 - 24)
2/24 HB 1078 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
2/24 HB 2747 Establishes the Broadband and Fiber Optic Services Study Committee Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
2/24 HB 334 Requires Photo ID to Cast a Ballot Bill Passed - House (109 - 46)
2/23 SB 1097 Rescinds the Mandate for a Witness Signature on Absentee Ballots Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
2/23 HB 1888 Requires the Creation of More Ballot Drop Boxes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 43)
2/23 SB 1148 Amends the Primary Election Date Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
2/23 PN 78-21 Nomination of Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations Nomination Confirmed - Senate (78 - 21)

arrow_upward