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. 28, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
Feb. 28, 2011 NM SB 319 Eliminating Corporal Punishment Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 18)
Feb. 25, 2011 KS HB 2067 Voter Photographic Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (83 - 36)
Feb. 25, 2011 WI AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
Feb. 24, 2011 MI HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
Feb. 24, 2011 MI HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
Feb. 24, 2011 MO SJR 2 Constitutional Amendment Requiring Voter Photo Identification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 24, 2011 MO SJR 2 Constitutional Amendment Requiring Voter Photo Identification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 24, 2011 GA SB 17 Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
Feb. 23, 2011 UT SJR 9 Supervision of Public Education Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
Feb. 23, 2011 UT SJR 9 Supervision of Public Education Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
Feb. 23, 2011 UT SJR 9 Supervision of Public Education Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
Feb. 23, 2011 MT HB 382 Nullification of Federal Laws Bill Failed - House (42 - 57)
Feb. 23, 2011 MT HB 550 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Greenhouse Gas Regulatory Program Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
Feb. 23, 2011 MT HB 516 Limiting Local Ordinances Bill Passed - House (62 - 37)
Feb. 23, 2011 TX SJR 1 Urging Congress to Propose a Balanced Budget Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Feb. 23, 2011 TX SJR 1 Urging Congress to Propose a Balanced Budget Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Feb. 23, 2011 MT HB 381 Criminalizing Enforcement of Certain Federal Firearms Laws Bill Failed - House (38 - 61)
Feb. 23, 2011 TN SB 79 Tennessee Health Care Freedom Act Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
Feb. 23, 2011 MI HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
Feb. 23, 2011 MI HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
Feb. 22, 2011 VT S 31 Electing the President by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Feb. 22, 2011 VT S 31 Electing the President by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Feb. 22, 2011 VT S 31 Electing the President by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Feb. 22, 2011 MT SB 254 Eminent Domain Over Federal Property Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
Feb. 22, 2011 CO HB 1003 Changes to Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (35 - 30)
Feb. 22, 2011 GA HB 92 Limits Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - House (148 - 20)
Feb. 21, 2011 AR HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Feb. 21, 2011 ND HB 1263 Athletic Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - House (65 - 28)
Feb. 21, 2011 MT SB 228 Prohibits Creation of Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
Feb. 19, 2011 National H Amdt 155 Prohibits Use of Funds for Step Increase for General Schedule Employees Amendment Rejected - House (191 - 230)
Feb. 19, 2011 MT SB 114 Communication Between Federal Law Enforcement Officers and County Sheriffs Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
Feb. 18, 2011 MT SB 268 Election of Supreme Court Justices by District Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
Feb. 18, 2011 MT SB 268 Election of Supreme Court Justices by District Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
Feb. 17, 2011 IA HF 260 House Rule School Governance Bill Passed - House (65 - 30)
Feb. 17, 2011 IA HF 260 House Rule School Governance Bill Passed - House (65 - 30)
Feb. 17, 2011 MO SB 3 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 17, 2011 ND HB 1267 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
Feb. 17, 2011 ND HB 1267 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
Feb. 16, 2011 ID H 117 Prohibits Enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
Feb. 16, 2011 AR HB 1002 Capital Gains Reduction Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
Feb. 16, 2011 IA SF 166 Funding for Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
Feb. 16, 2011 MT HB 206 Constitutional Amendment on Freedom to Choose Health Insurance Coverage Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 31)
Feb. 16, 2011 MT HB 206 Constitutional Amendment on Freedom to Choose Health Insurance Coverage Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 31)
Feb. 16, 2011 ND HCR 3016 Repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Resolution Passed - House (69 - 25)
Feb. 16, 2011 SC H 3507 Call For Constitutional Convention Resolution Passed - House (72 - 44)
Feb. 15, 2011 CA AB 110 Wrongful Death Claim of Josefa Godinez Merida Resolution Passed - House (7 - 1)
Feb. 14, 2011 AR HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 14)
Feb. 11, 2011 KS HCR 5007 Prohibiting Mandated Health Insurance Bill Passed - House (91 - 27)
Feb. 11, 2011 KS HCR 5007 Prohibiting Mandated Health Insurance Bill Passed - House (91 - 27)
Feb. 10, 2011 SC H 3003 Voter ID Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 17)
Feb. 10, 2011 MA S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 10, 2011 MA S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 7, 2011 ID HJM 1 Parental Rights Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (49 - 20)
Feb. 5, 2011 MT SB 117 Coordination Between Federal and Local Government Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
Feb. 4, 2011 MT HB 180 Revise Close of Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
Feb. 2, 2011 IA HF 111 Purchase of Health Care Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
Feb. 2, 2011 NC HB 2 Prohibits Enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
Feb. 1, 2011 IA HJR 6 Banning Same Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 37)
Feb. 1, 2011 ID H 26 Increment in fees for felonies and misdemeanors Bill Failed - House (31 - 35)
Feb. 1, 2011 WY SJ 2 Health Care Decisions for Citizens Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Jan. 28, 2011 MT HB 130 Expansion of Elections that Can Be Conducted By Mail Bill Failed - House (42 - 57)
Jan. 27, 2011 AR SB 113 Prohibit Abortion Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
Jan. 27, 2011 MT SB 125 Prohibits State from Requiring Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
Jan. 27, 2011 MT SB 106 Lawsuit against Federal Health Care Law Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
Jan. 26, 2011 SC H 3003 Voter ID Bill Passed - House (74 - 45)
Jan. 26, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
Jan. 25, 2011 WI AB 5 Requiring a Two-Thirds Vote in the Legislature for Tax Increases Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
Jan. 25, 2011 WI AB 7 Small Business Tax Credit Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
Jan. 24, 2011 VA SB 949 Allowing Absentee Voting For Any Reason Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Jan. 20, 2011 WI SB 2 Tax Benefits for Health Savings Accounts Bill Passed - House (66 - 28)
Jan. 20, 2011 WI SB 1 Tort Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
Jan. 20, 2011 AZ SB 1001 Request for Medicaid Waiver Bill Passed - House (40 - 20)
Jan. 20, 2011 AR HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Passed - House (70 - 22)
Jan. 20, 2011 WI SB 2 Tax Benefits for Health Savings Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Jan. 19, 2011 NY S 1892 Limiting State Spending Amendment Adopted - Senate (41 - 19)
Jan. 19, 2011 NY S 1919 Amends Rules for Legislature Amendment Adopted - Senate (41 - 19)
Jan. 18, 2011 WI SB 1 Tort Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Jan. 13, 2011 MT HB 1 Funding for Legislative Session Bill Passed - House (67 - 32)
Jan. 11, 2011 MO HR 39 Attorney General Challenge of the Federal Health Care Law Resolution Passed - House (115 - 46)
Jan. 10, 2011 IL SB 3644 Labor Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (64 - 49)
Jan. 4, 2011 IL SB 3976 Rules to Govern the Redistricting Process Bill Passed - House (67 - 46)
Jan. 4, 2011 IL SB 3976 Rules to Govern the Redistricting Process Bill Passed - House (67 - 46)
Dec. 2, 2010 National H Res 1737 Censure for Representative Charles Rangel Resolution Passed - House (333 - 79)
Nov. 30, 2010 National S Amdt 4697 Prohibiting Earmarks Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
Nov. 18, 2010 National HR 1722 Telework Policies and Regulations for Federal Agencies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (254 - 152)
Nov. 17, 2010 PA HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
Nov. 17, 2010 National HR 3808 Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2010 2 Veto Override Failed - House (185 - 235)
Nov. 15, 2010 PA HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - House (171 - 24)
Sept. 30, 2010 NJ A 1678 Establishing a New Jersey Homebuyer Tax Credit Program Veto Override Failed - House (42 - 32)
Sept. 29, 2010 PA SB 1155 Establishing a Natural Gas Severance Tax Bill Passed - House (104 - 94)
Sept. 23, 2010 MI SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Sept. 23, 2010 MI SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 45)
Sept. 22, 2010 MI SB 884 Tax Amnesty Period Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 48)
Sept. 22, 2010 MI SB 884 Tax Amnesty Period Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
Sept. 21, 2010 MI SB 1152 2010-2011 Department of Community Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (68 - 39)
Sept. 21, 2010 MI SB 1152 2010-2011 Department of Community Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 10)
Sept. 20, 2010 NJ S 2139 2010-2011 Supplemental Health Services Budget Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 17)
Sept. 15, 2010 MI SB 1151 Community College Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 5)
Sept. 15, 2010 MI SB 1151 Community College Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 49)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/28 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
2/28 SB 319 Eliminating Corporal Punishment Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 18)
2/25 HB 2067 Voter Photographic Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (83 - 36)
2/25 AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
2/24 HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
2/24 HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
2/24 SJR 2 Constitutional Amendment Requiring Voter Photo Identification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/24 SJR 2 Constitutional Amendment Requiring Voter Photo Identification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/24 SB 17 Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
2/23 SJR 9 Supervision of Public Education Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
2/23 SJR 9 Supervision of Public Education Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
2/23 SJR 9 Supervision of Public Education Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
2/23 HB 382 Nullification of Federal Laws Bill Failed - House (42 - 57)
2/23 HB 550 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Greenhouse Gas Regulatory Program Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
2/23 HB 516 Limiting Local Ordinances Bill Passed - House (62 - 37)
2/23 SJR 1 Urging Congress to Propose a Balanced Budget Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
2/23 SJR 1 Urging Congress to Propose a Balanced Budget Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
2/23 HB 381 Criminalizing Enforcement of Certain Federal Firearms Laws Bill Failed - House (38 - 61)
2/23 SB 79 Tennessee Health Care Freedom Act Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
2/23 HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
2/23 HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
2/22 S 31 Electing the President by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
2/22 S 31 Electing the President by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
2/22 S 31 Electing the President by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
2/22 SB 254 Eminent Domain Over Federal Property Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
2/22 HB 1003 Changes to Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (35 - 30)
2/22 HB 92 Limits Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - House (148 - 20)
2/21 HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
2/21 HB 1263 Athletic Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - House (65 - 28)
2/21 SB 228 Prohibits Creation of Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
2/19 H Amdt 155 Prohibits Use of Funds for Step Increase for General Schedule Employees Amendment Rejected - House (191 - 230)
2/19 SB 114 Communication Between Federal Law Enforcement Officers and County Sheriffs Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
2/18 SB 268 Election of Supreme Court Justices by District Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
2/18 SB 268 Election of Supreme Court Justices by District Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
2/17 HF 260 House Rule School Governance Bill Passed - House (65 - 30)
2/17 HF 260 House Rule School Governance Bill Passed - House (65 - 30)
2/17 SB 3 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/17 HB 1267 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
2/17 HB 1267 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
2/16 H 117 Prohibits Enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
2/16 HB 1002 Capital Gains Reduction Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
2/16 SF 166 Funding for Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
2/16 HB 206 Constitutional Amendment on Freedom to Choose Health Insurance Coverage Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 31)
2/16 HB 206 Constitutional Amendment on Freedom to Choose Health Insurance Coverage Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 31)
2/16 HCR 3016 Repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Resolution Passed - House (69 - 25)
2/16 H 3507 Call For Constitutional Convention Resolution Passed - House (72 - 44)
2/15 AB 110 Wrongful Death Claim of Josefa Godinez Merida Resolution Passed - House (7 - 1)
2/14 HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 14)
2/11 HCR 5007 Prohibiting Mandated Health Insurance Bill Passed - House (91 - 27)
2/11 HCR 5007 Prohibiting Mandated Health Insurance Bill Passed - House (91 - 27)
2/10 H 3003 Voter ID Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 17)
2/10 S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/10 S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/07 HJM 1 Parental Rights Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (49 - 20)
2/05 SB 117 Coordination Between Federal and Local Government Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
2/04 HB 180 Revise Close of Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
2/02 HF 111 Purchase of Health Care Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
2/02 HB 2 Prohibits Enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
2/01 HJR 6 Banning Same Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 37)
2/01 H 26 Increment in fees for felonies and misdemeanors Bill Failed - House (31 - 35)
2/01 SJ 2 Health Care Decisions for Citizens Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
1/28 HB 130 Expansion of Elections that Can Be Conducted By Mail Bill Failed - House (42 - 57)
1/27 SB 113 Prohibit Abortion Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
1/27 SB 125 Prohibits State from Requiring Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
1/27 SB 106 Lawsuit against Federal Health Care Law Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
1/26 H 3003 Voter ID Bill Passed - House (74 - 45)
1/26 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
1/25 AB 5 Requiring a Two-Thirds Vote in the Legislature for Tax Increases Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
1/25 AB 7 Small Business Tax Credit Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
1/24 SB 949 Allowing Absentee Voting For Any Reason Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
1/20 SB 2 Tax Benefits for Health Savings Accounts Bill Passed - House (66 - 28)
1/20 SB 1 Tort Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
1/20 SB 1001 Request for Medicaid Waiver Bill Passed - House (40 - 20)
1/20 HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Passed - House (70 - 22)
1/20 SB 2 Tax Benefits for Health Savings Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
1/19 S 1892 Limiting State Spending Amendment Adopted - Senate (41 - 19)
1/19 S 1919 Amends Rules for Legislature Amendment Adopted - Senate (41 - 19)
1/18 SB 1 Tort Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
1/13 HB 1 Funding for Legislative Session Bill Passed - House (67 - 32)
1/11 HR 39 Attorney General Challenge of the Federal Health Care Law Resolution Passed - House (115 - 46)
1/10 SB 3644 Labor Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (64 - 49)
1/04 SB 3976 Rules to Govern the Redistricting Process Bill Passed - House (67 - 46)
1/04 SB 3976 Rules to Govern the Redistricting Process Bill Passed - House (67 - 46)
12/02 H Res 1737 Censure for Representative Charles Rangel Resolution Passed - House (333 - 79)
11/30 S Amdt 4697 Prohibiting Earmarks Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
11/18 HR 1722 Telework Policies and Regulations for Federal Agencies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (254 - 152)
11/17 HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
11/17 HR 3808 Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2010 2 Veto Override Failed - House (185 - 235)
11/15 HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - House (171 - 24)
9/30 A 1678 Establishing a New Jersey Homebuyer Tax Credit Program Veto Override Failed - House (42 - 32)
9/29 SB 1155 Establishing a Natural Gas Severance Tax Bill Passed - House (104 - 94)
9/23 SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
9/23 SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 45)
9/22 SB 884 Tax Amnesty Period Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 48)
9/22 SB 884 Tax Amnesty Period Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
9/21 SB 1152 2010-2011 Department of Community Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (68 - 39)
9/21 SB 1152 2010-2011 Department of Community Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 10)
9/20 S 2139 2010-2011 Supplemental Health Services Budget Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 17)
9/15 SB 1151 Community College Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 5)
9/15 SB 1151 Community College Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 49)

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