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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 26, 2012 | MS | HB 921 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 39) |
| April 26, 2012 | TN | SJR 710 | Amends Judicial Appointment Process | Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 27) |
| April 26, 2012 | MS | JR 1 | State House Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 50) |
| April 26, 2012 | MS | JR 1 | State House Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 50) |
| April 25, 2012 | AZ | SB 1332 | Requires the Federal Government to Give Back Land to Arizona | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 9) |
| April 25, 2012 | OK | HB 3061 | Reduces Income Tax Rates | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16) |
| April 24, 2012 | AZ | SB 1182 | Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8) |
| April 23, 2012 | AZ | SB 1332 | Requires the Federal Government to Give Back Land to Arizona | Bill Passed - House (35 - 15) |
| April 23, 2012 | TN | SJR 710 | Amends Judicial Appointment Process | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
| April 19, 2012 | AZ | SB 1182 | Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act | Bill Passed - House (34 - 22) |
| April 19, 2012 | MO | HB 1534 | Prohibits Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act | Bill Passed - House (108 - 44) |
| April 11, 2012 | NH | SB 202 | Congressional Redistricting | Bill Passed - House (239 - 95) |
| 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) |
| April 10, 2012 | AZ | SB 1449 | Establishes a Recall Primary Election for a Recall Election | Bill Passed - House (36 - 22) |
| April 9, 2012 | MD | SB 236 | Septic System Installation Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 15) |
| April 9, 2012 | AZ | HB 2434 | Requires Federal Agents to Notify Local Law Enforcement Prior to Taking Action | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 17) |
| April 9, 2012 | LA | SB 303 | Limits Gun Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
| April 6, 2012 | MD | SB 236 | Septic System Installation Requirements | Bill Passed - House (93 - 45) |
| April 5, 2012 | MN | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29) |
| April 5, 2012 | MN | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29) |
| April 4, 2012 | AZ | HB 2434 | Requires Federal Agents to Notify Local Law Enforcement Prior to Taking Action | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8) |
| April 4, 2012 | PA | HB 153 | Reduces the Number of Members in the General Assembly | Bill Passed - House (140 - 49) |
| April 4, 2012 | PA | HB 153 | Reduces the Number of Members in the General Assembly | Bill Passed - House (140 - 49) |
| April 4, 2012 | CT | HJ 2 | Authorizes Absentee Ballots for Any Reason | Resolution Passed - House (97 - 50) |
| April 4, 2012 | LA | HB 209 | Reduces Voting Hours | Bill Passed - House (60 - 41) |
| April 3, 2012 | MN | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 57) |
| April 3, 2012 | MN | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 57) |
| March 29, 2012 | MI | HB 5061 | Requires Photo Identification for Absentee Ballots | Bill Passed - House (65 - 45) |
| March 29, 2012 | MO | HB 1046 | Requires Proof of Citizenship for Presidential Candidates | Bill Passed - House (92 - 49) |
| March 28, 2012 | NH | HB 592 | State House Redistricting | Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7) |
| March 28, 2012 | NH | HB 592 | State House Redistricting | Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7) |
| March 28, 2012 | NH | HB 592 | State House Redistricting | Veto Override Passed - House (246 - 112) |
| March 28, 2012 | NH | HB 592 | State House Redistricting | Veto Override Passed - House (246 - 112) |
| March 28, 2012 | ID | H 695 | Establishes a Legislative Legal Defense Fund | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
| March 28, 2012 | ID | H 660 | Amends the Judicial Retirement Fund | Bill Passed - House (46 - 22) |
| March 28, 2012 | NH | HB 1560 | Joining an Interstate Health Care Compact to Opt-Out of Federal Health Care Programs | Bill Passed - House (221 - 131) |
| March 28, 2012 | OH | SB 295 | Repealing Provisions of the Election Revision Code | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| March 27, 2012 | FL | SJR 2B | State Senate Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - House (61 - 47) |
| March 27, 2012 | FL | SJR 2B | State Senate Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - House (61 - 47) |
| March 27, 2012 | MD | SB 892 | Expands Gambling | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11) |
| March 26, 2012 | MN | HF 545 | Requires State Budget to Include Federal Insolvency Contingency Plan | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 60) |
| March 26, 2012 | ID | H 695 | Establishes a Legislative Legal Defense Fund | Bill Passed - House (53 - 16) |
| March 23, 2012 | ID | H 619 | Prohibits Speed Limit Regulation by Local Authorities | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| March 23, 2012 | ID | SJM 104 | Urging Congress to Repeal Insurance Coverage of Contraception | Joint Resolution Passed - House (51 - 16) |
| March 22, 2012 | ID | HJR 1 | Requires a 2/3 Vote for Tax Increases | Motion Rejected - House (37 - 33) |
| March 22, 2012 | FL | SJR 2B | State Senate Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
| March 22, 2012 | CA | AJR 22 | Requests a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United | Joint Resolution Passed - House (48 - 22) |
| March 22, 2012 | CA | AJR 22 | Requests a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United | Joint Resolution Passed - House (48 - 22) |
| March 22, 2012 | FL | SJR 2B | State Senate Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
| March 21, 2012 | KS | HB 2117 | Reduces Income Tax Rate | Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| March 21, 2012 | MN | HF 2337 | Amends Property Taxes | Bill Passed - House (72 - 62) |
| March 21, 2012 | AZ | HB 2862 | Appropriates Funds for Independent Redistricting Commission | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9) |
| March 21, 2012 | NH | SB 318 | Requires In-State Residency to Vote | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5) |
| March 21, 2012 | IL | HB 3944 | Authorizing the Recording of Police | Bill Failed - House (45 - 59) |
| March 20, 2012 | MN | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Bill Passed - House (72 - 62) |
| March 20, 2012 | CO | HB 1111 | Voter Identification Amendments | Bill Passed - House (33 - 31) |
| March 20, 2012 | AZ | HB 2862 | Appropriates Funds for Independent Redistricting Commission | Bill Passed - House (36 - 20) |
| March 20, 2012 | MN | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Bill Passed - House (72 - 62) |
| March 19, 2012 | SD | SB 157 | Prohibits Cities From Limiting Outdoor Digital Billboards | Veto Override Failed - House (43 - 24) |
| March 19, 2012 | SD | SB 157 | Prohibits Cities From Limiting Outdoor Digital Billboards | Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| March 19, 2012 | MN | HF 545 | Requires State Budget to Include Federal Insolvency Contingency Plan | Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 12) |
| March 15, 2012 | ID | H 619 | Prohibits Speed Limit Regulation by Local Authorities | Bill Passed - House (56 - 10) |
| March 15, 2012 | KY | SB 18 | Amends Redistricting Requirements | Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 11) |
| March 15, 2012 | ID | S 1358 | Amends Bullying Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8) |
| March 15, 2012 | KY | SB 18 | Amends Redistricting Requirements | Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 11) |
| March 15, 2012 | KY | SB 18 | Amends Redistricting Requirements | Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 11) |
| March 15, 2012 | KY | SB 18 | Amends Redistricting Requirements | Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 11) |
| March 15, 2012 | NH | HB 1405 | Authorizes Moratoriums on Refugee Resettlements | Bill Passed - House (190 - 109) |
| March 14, 2012 | PA | HB 934 | Amends Voter Identification Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 88) |
| March 14, 2012 | NY | A 9525 | State Legislative Redistricting | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0) |
| March 14, 2012 | NY | A 9525 | State Legislative Redistricting | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0) |
| March 14, 2012 | NY | A 9556 | Authorizes Casino Gambling | Amendment Adopted - Senate (36 - 0) |
| March 14, 2012 | NY | A 9525 | State Legislative Redistricting | Bill Passed - House (98 - 44) |
| March 14, 2012 | NY | A 9556 | Authorizes Casino Gambling | Amendment Adopted - House (96 - 45) |
| Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/26 | HB 921 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 39) |
| 4/26 | SJR 710 | Amends Judicial Appointment Process | Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 27) |
| 4/26 | JR 1 | State House Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 50) |
| 4/26 | JR 1 | State House Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 50) |
| 4/25 | SB 1332 | Requires the Federal Government to Give Back Land to Arizona | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 9) |
| 4/25 | HB 3061 | Reduces Income Tax Rates | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16) |
| 4/24 | SB 1182 | Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8) |
| 4/23 | SB 1332 | Requires the Federal Government to Give Back Land to Arizona | Bill Passed - House (35 - 15) |
| 4/23 | SJR 710 | Amends Judicial Appointment Process | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
| 4/19 | SB 1182 | Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act | Bill Passed - House (34 - 22) |
| 4/19 | HB 1534 | Prohibits Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act | Bill Passed - House (108 - 44) |
| 4/11 | SB 202 | Congressional Redistricting | Bill Passed - House (239 - 95) |
| 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) |
| 4/10 | SB 1449 | Establishes a Recall Primary Election for a Recall Election | Bill Passed - House (36 - 22) |
| 4/09 | SB 236 | Septic System Installation Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 15) |
| 4/09 | HB 2434 | Requires Federal Agents to Notify Local Law Enforcement Prior to Taking Action | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 17) |
| 4/09 | SB 303 | Limits Gun Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
| 4/06 | SB 236 | Septic System Installation Requirements | Bill Passed - House (93 - 45) |
| 4/05 | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29) |
| 4/05 | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29) |
| 4/04 | HB 2434 | Requires Federal Agents to Notify Local Law Enforcement Prior to Taking Action | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8) |
| 4/04 | HB 153 | Reduces the Number of Members in the General Assembly | Bill Passed - House (140 - 49) |
| 4/04 | HB 153 | Reduces the Number of Members in the General Assembly | Bill Passed - House (140 - 49) |
| 4/04 | HJ 2 | Authorizes Absentee Ballots for Any Reason | Resolution Passed - House (97 - 50) |
| 4/04 | HB 209 | Reduces Voting Hours | Bill Passed - House (60 - 41) |
| 4/03 | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 57) |
| 4/03 | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 57) |
| 3/29 | HB 5061 | Requires Photo Identification for Absentee Ballots | Bill Passed - House (65 - 45) |
| 3/29 | HB 1046 | Requires Proof of Citizenship for Presidential Candidates | Bill Passed - House (92 - 49) |
| 3/28 | HB 592 | State House Redistricting | Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7) |
| 3/28 | HB 592 | State House Redistricting | Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7) |
| 3/28 | HB 592 | State House Redistricting | Veto Override Passed - House (246 - 112) |
| 3/28 | HB 592 | State House Redistricting | Veto Override Passed - House (246 - 112) |
| 3/28 | H 695 | Establishes a Legislative Legal Defense Fund | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
| 3/28 | H 660 | Amends the Judicial Retirement Fund | Bill Passed - House (46 - 22) |
| 3/28 | HB 1560 | Joining an Interstate Health Care Compact to Opt-Out of Federal Health Care Programs | Bill Passed - House (221 - 131) |
| 3/28 | SB 295 | Repealing Provisions of the Election Revision Code | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| 3/27 | SJR 2B | State Senate Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - House (61 - 47) |
| 3/27 | SJR 2B | State Senate Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - House (61 - 47) |
| 3/27 | SB 892 | Expands Gambling | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11) |
| 3/26 | HF 545 | Requires State Budget to Include Federal Insolvency Contingency Plan | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 60) |
| 3/26 | H 695 | Establishes a Legislative Legal Defense Fund | Bill Passed - House (53 - 16) |
| 3/23 | H 619 | Prohibits Speed Limit Regulation by Local Authorities | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| 3/23 | SJM 104 | Urging Congress to Repeal Insurance Coverage of Contraception | Joint Resolution Passed - House (51 - 16) |
| 3/22 | HJR 1 | Requires a 2/3 Vote for Tax Increases | Motion Rejected - House (37 - 33) |
| 3/22 | SJR 2B | State Senate Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
| 3/22 | AJR 22 | Requests a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United | Joint Resolution Passed - House (48 - 22) |
| 3/22 | AJR 22 | Requests a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United | Joint Resolution Passed - House (48 - 22) |
| 3/22 | SJR 2B | State Senate Redistricting | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
| 3/21 | HB 2117 | Reduces Income Tax Rate | Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| 3/21 | HF 2337 | Amends Property Taxes | Bill Passed - House (72 - 62) |
| 3/21 | HB 2862 | Appropriates Funds for Independent Redistricting Commission | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9) |
| 3/21 | SB 318 | Requires In-State Residency to Vote | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5) |
| 3/21 | HB 3944 | Authorizing the Recording of Police | Bill Failed - House (45 - 59) |
| 3/20 | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Bill Passed - House (72 - 62) |
| 3/20 | HB 1111 | Voter Identification Amendments | Bill Passed - House (33 - 31) |
| 3/20 | HB 2862 | Appropriates Funds for Independent Redistricting Commission | Bill Passed - House (36 - 20) |
| 3/20 | HF 2738 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Bill Passed - House (72 - 62) |
| 3/19 | SB 157 | Prohibits Cities From Limiting Outdoor Digital Billboards | Veto Override Failed - House (43 - 24) |
| 3/19 | SB 157 | Prohibits Cities From Limiting Outdoor Digital Billboards | Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| 3/19 | HF 545 | Requires State Budget to Include Federal Insolvency Contingency Plan | Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 12) |
| 3/15 | H 619 | Prohibits Speed Limit Regulation by Local Authorities | Bill Passed - House (56 - 10) |
| 3/15 | SB 18 | Amends Redistricting Requirements | Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 11) |
| 3/15 | S 1358 | Amends Bullying Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8) |
| 3/15 | SB 18 | Amends Redistricting Requirements | Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 11) |
| 3/15 | SB 18 | Amends Redistricting Requirements | Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 11) |
| 3/15 | SB 18 | Amends Redistricting Requirements | Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 11) |
| 3/15 | HB 1405 | Authorizes Moratoriums on Refugee Resettlements | Bill Passed - House (190 - 109) |
| 3/14 | HB 934 | Amends Voter Identification Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 88) |
| 3/14 | A 9525 | State Legislative Redistricting | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0) |
| 3/14 | A 9525 | State Legislative Redistricting | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0) |
| 3/14 | A 9556 | Authorizes Casino Gambling | Amendment Adopted - Senate (36 - 0) |
| 3/14 | A 9525 | State Legislative Redistricting | Bill Passed - House (98 - 44) |
| 3/14 | A 9556 | Authorizes Casino Gambling | Amendment Adopted - House (96 - 45) |