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. 15, 2008 LA Amnd. 423 to SB 1 Persons Restricted from Doing Business with the State Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 16)
Feb. 15, 2008 LA Amnd. 423 to SB 1 Persons Restricted from Doing Business with the State Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 16)
Feb. 14, 2008 NE AM 1736 Eliminating Opt-Out Provision of Smoking Ban Amendment Adopted - Senate (33 - 13)
Feb. 14, 2008 MN HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2008 NM HB 24 Removing Tax Restrictions for Counties and Municipalities Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 21)
Feb. 13, 2008 NM HB 237 Mandatory Election Recounts Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Feb. 13, 2008 NM HB 237 Mandatory Election Recounts Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Feb. 13, 2008 SD SB 174 Railroad Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
Feb. 13, 2008 WA SB 5278 Public Financing of Local Campaigns Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 13, 2008 NY A 9998 New York Racing Association Funding Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17)
Feb. 13, 2008 SD SJR 1 Eliminating Term Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
Feb. 12, 2008 GA SR 796 Property Tax Assessment Cap Resolution Passed - Senate (48 - 7)
Feb. 12, 2008 GA SR 686 Property Tax Assessment Freeze Resolution Passed - Senate (53 - 3)
Feb. 12, 2008 GA SR 822 Reassessing Georgia's Northern Border Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
Feb. 12, 2008 GA SR 822 Reassessing Georgia's Northern Border Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
Feb. 11, 2008 NM SB 225 Health Care Commission Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 19)
Feb. 11, 2008 SD SB 189 Accessibility of Public Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2008 SD SB 189 Accessibility of Public Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 10, 2008 NM HB 661 Affordable Housing Tax Relief Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Feb. 7, 2008 MA H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
Feb. 7, 2008 GA SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
Feb. 7, 2008 MA H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
Feb. 7, 2008 NH SB 436 Reducing the Voting Age for Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 6)
Feb. 7, 2008 GA SB 340 Prohibiting Sanctuary Policies Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
Feb. 6, 2008 NM HB 2 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
Feb. 6, 2008 NE LB 39 Restricting Petition Circulation Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
Feb. 5, 2008 UT SB 35 Salary Supplement for Math and Science Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 7)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 202 Local Regulation of Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Feb. 4, 2008 NM SB 34 New Mexico School for the Arts Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
Jan. 30, 2008 KY SB 3 Primary Elections Date Change Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SJR 1 Constitutional Property Tax Cap Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (41 - 7)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 16 Change in Township Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 16 Change in Township Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 143 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 13)
Jan. 28, 2008 CO SB 3 Medicaid Funded Family Planning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Jan. 25, 2008 CO SA Mitchell Prohibiting State Funding of Abortion Providers Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 20)
Jan. 25, 2008 MS SB 2188 Attorney General-Private Attorney Contract Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Jan. 25, 2008 MS SB 2188 Attorney General-Private Attorney Contract Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Jan. 25, 2008 MS SB 2188 Attorney General-Private Attorney Contract Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Jan. 24, 2008 CO GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
Jan. 22, 2008 MI SB 776 Late-Term/Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Jan. 22, 2008 IN SB 18 Allowing Referendum on Public Construction Projects Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
Jan. 17, 2008 IL HB 656 Providing Free Public Transportation for Senior Citizens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 19)
Jan. 10, 2008 IL HB 656 Transportation Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
Jan. 7, 2008 NJ A 500 Education Funding Reform Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
Jan. 7, 2008 NJ S 176 Expanding Damages for Wrongful Death Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
Jan. 3, 2008 NJ A 4225 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
Dec. 13, 2007 MI SB 981 Mackinac Bridge Funding Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
Dec. 11, 2007 WI SJR 5 Limiting Governor's Partial Veto Authority Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Dec. 11, 2007 WI SB 176 Compensation for Discharged Police Officers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
Dec. 11, 2007 WI SB 176 Compensation for Discharged Police Officers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
Dec. 11, 2007 WI SJR 5 Limiting Governor's Partial Veto Authority Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Dec. 10, 2007 NJ S 171 Eliminating the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
Dec. 1, 2007 MI HB 5408 Michigan Business Tax Surcharge Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
Nov. 29, 2007 WA HB 2416 Adjusting the Property Tax Cap Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Nov. 29, 2007 WA Sub SB 6178 Property Tax Deferral Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
Nov. 20, 2007 MI HB 5408 Michigan Business Tax Surcharge Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
Nov. 19, 2007 MD HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
Nov. 19, 2007 MD HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
Nov. 19, 2007 MD HB 5 Sales Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 20)
Nov. 16, 2007 AK SCS CSHB 2001 Oil and Gas Production Tax Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
Nov. 15, 2007 MA S 2414 Presidential Primary Date Change Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
Nov. 8, 2007 WI SB 299 School Tax Credit Formula Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
Nov. 7, 2007 MI Sub SB 838 Amending the Use Tax Act Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Oct. 31, 2007 MI SB 232 2007-2008 Department of Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 16)
Oct. 31, 2007 MI SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
Oct. 31, 2007 MI SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
Oct. 31, 2007 MI SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
Oct. 30, 2007 MI S Sub for Sub HB 4360 2007-2008 Community College and Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 2)
Oct. 30, 2007 MI S Sub for Sub HB 4354 2007-2008 Department of Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 6)
Oct. 30, 2007 MI S Sub for Sub HB 4348 2007-2008 Department of Corrections Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
Oct. 30, 2007 MI S Sub for Sub HB 4344 2007-2008 Department of Community Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
Oct. 30, 2007 MI S Sub for Sub HB 4358 2007-2008 Department of Environmental Quality Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 13)
Oct. 30, 2007 WI SB 15 Secretary of Natural Resources Appointment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Oct. 29, 2007 MI H Sub for Sub SB 235 2007-2008 Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
Oct. 29, 2007 MI H Sub for Sub SB 234 2007-2008 Department of Labor and Economic Growth Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 1)
Oct. 29, 2007 MI SB 238 2007-2008 Department of State Police Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 2)
Oct. 29, 2007 MI SB 231 2007-2008 Department of Art, History, and Library Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 2)
Oct. 23, 2007 WI AS SB 40 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 15)
Oct. 15, 2007 WI SB 2 Transportation Funding Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
Oct. 15, 2007 WI SB 1 2007-2008 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
Oct. 12, 2007 IL HB 664 Homeowner Tax Exemption Veto Override Passed - Senate (55 - 1)
Oct. 1, 2007 MI S Sub for Sub HB 5194 Income Tax Increase Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 19)
Oct. 1, 2007 MI S Sub for Sub HB 5198 Consumption Tax on Services Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 19)
Oct. 1, 2007 MI H Sub for Sub SB 547 Public School Employee Retirement Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Oct. 1, 2007 MI H Sub for S Sub SB 546 Public School Employee Retirement Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Sept. 23, 2007 MI Sub SB 237 2007-2008 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Sept. 23, 2007 MI Sub SB 511 2007-2008 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Sept. 18, 2007 National S 1257 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (57 - 42)
Sept. 18, 2007 National S 1257 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (57 - 42)
Sept. 18, 2007 IL HB 2035 Gaming Expansion to Fund Infrastructure and Social Programs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
Sept. 17, 2007 MI Sub SB 772 2006-2007 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Aug. 30, 2007 MI Sub SB 689 State Employees' Retirement Act Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
Aug. 29, 2007 MO SCS HCS HB 1 Economic Development Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
Aug. 24, 2007 KY HCS HB 1 Renewable Energy Tax Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Aug. 22, 2007 MI SB 624 Presidential Primary Date Change Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Aug. 21, 2007 CA SB 77 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 12)
Aug. 10, 2007 IL HB 3866 2007-2008 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 5)
Aug. 9, 2007 IL HB 556 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 24)
Aug. 2, 2007 National S 1 Lobbying and Donation Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (83 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/15 Amnd. 423 to SB 1 Persons Restricted from Doing Business with the State Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 16)
2/15 Amnd. 423 to SB 1 Persons Restricted from Doing Business with the State Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 16)
2/14 AM 1736 Eliminating Opt-Out Provision of Smoking Ban Amendment Adopted - Senate (33 - 13)
2/14 HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 17)
2/14 HB 24 Removing Tax Restrictions for Counties and Municipalities Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 21)
2/13 HB 237 Mandatory Election Recounts Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
2/13 HB 237 Mandatory Election Recounts Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
2/13 SB 174 Railroad Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
2/13 SB 5278 Public Financing of Local Campaigns Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/13 A 9998 New York Racing Association Funding Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17)
2/13 SJR 1 Eliminating Term Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
2/12 SR 796 Property Tax Assessment Cap Resolution Passed - Senate (48 - 7)
2/12 SR 686 Property Tax Assessment Freeze Resolution Passed - Senate (53 - 3)
2/12 SR 822 Reassessing Georgia's Northern Border Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
2/12 SR 822 Reassessing Georgia's Northern Border Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
2/11 SB 225 Health Care Commission Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 19)
2/11 SB 189 Accessibility of Public Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/11 SB 189 Accessibility of Public Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/10 HB 661 Affordable Housing Tax Relief Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
2/07 H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
2/07 SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
2/07 H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
2/07 SB 436 Reducing the Voting Age for Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 6)
2/07 SB 340 Prohibiting Sanctuary Policies Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
2/06 HB 2 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
2/06 LB 39 Restricting Petition Circulation Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
2/05 SB 35 Salary Supplement for Math and Science Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 7)
2/05 SB 202 Local Regulation of Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
2/04 SB 34 New Mexico School for the Arts Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
1/30 SB 3 Primary Elections Date Change Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
1/29 SJR 1 Constitutional Property Tax Cap Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (41 - 7)
1/29 SB 16 Change in Township Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
1/29 SB 16 Change in Township Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
1/29 SB 143 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 13)
1/28 SB 3 Medicaid Funded Family Planning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
1/25 SA Mitchell Prohibiting State Funding of Abortion Providers Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 20)
1/25 SB 2188 Attorney General-Private Attorney Contract Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
1/25 SB 2188 Attorney General-Private Attorney Contract Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
1/25 SB 2188 Attorney General-Private Attorney Contract Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
1/24 GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
1/22 SB 776 Late-Term/Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
1/22 SB 18 Allowing Referendum on Public Construction Projects Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
1/17 HB 656 Providing Free Public Transportation for Senior Citizens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 19)
1/10 HB 656 Transportation Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
1/07 A 500 Education Funding Reform Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
1/07 S 176 Expanding Damages for Wrongful Death Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
1/03 A 4225 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
12/13 SB 981 Mackinac Bridge Funding Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
12/11 SJR 5 Limiting Governor's Partial Veto Authority Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
12/11 SB 176 Compensation for Discharged Police Officers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
12/11 SB 176 Compensation for Discharged Police Officers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
12/11 SJR 5 Limiting Governor's Partial Veto Authority Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
12/10 S 171 Eliminating the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
12/01 HB 5408 Michigan Business Tax Surcharge Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
11/29 HB 2416 Adjusting the Property Tax Cap Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
11/29 Sub SB 6178 Property Tax Deferral Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
11/20 HB 5408 Michigan Business Tax Surcharge Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
11/19 HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
11/19 HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
11/19 HB 5 Sales Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 20)
11/16 SCS CSHB 2001 Oil and Gas Production Tax Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
11/15 S 2414 Presidential Primary Date Change Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
11/08 SB 299 School Tax Credit Formula Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
11/07 Sub SB 838 Amending the Use Tax Act Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
10/31 SB 232 2007-2008 Department of Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 16)
10/31 SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
10/31 SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
10/31 SB 229 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
10/30 S Sub for Sub HB 4360 2007-2008 Community College and Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 2)
10/30 S Sub for Sub HB 4354 2007-2008 Department of Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 6)
10/30 S Sub for Sub HB 4348 2007-2008 Department of Corrections Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
10/30 S Sub for Sub HB 4344 2007-2008 Department of Community Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
10/30 S Sub for Sub HB 4358 2007-2008 Department of Environmental Quality Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 13)
10/30 SB 15 Secretary of Natural Resources Appointment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
10/29 H Sub for Sub SB 235 2007-2008 Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
10/29 H Sub for Sub SB 234 2007-2008 Department of Labor and Economic Growth Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 1)
10/29 SB 238 2007-2008 Department of State Police Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 2)
10/29 SB 231 2007-2008 Department of Art, History, and Library Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 2)
10/23 AS SB 40 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 15)
10/15 SB 2 Transportation Funding Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
10/15 SB 1 2007-2008 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
10/12 HB 664 Homeowner Tax Exemption Veto Override Passed - Senate (55 - 1)
10/01 S Sub for Sub HB 5194 Income Tax Increase Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 19)
10/01 S Sub for Sub HB 5198 Consumption Tax on Services Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 19)
10/01 H Sub for Sub SB 547 Public School Employee Retirement Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
10/01 H Sub for S Sub SB 546 Public School Employee Retirement Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
9/23 Sub SB 237 2007-2008 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
9/23 Sub SB 511 2007-2008 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
9/18 S 1257 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (57 - 42)
9/18 S 1257 District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (57 - 42)
9/18 HB 2035 Gaming Expansion to Fund Infrastructure and Social Programs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
9/17 Sub SB 772 2006-2007 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
8/30 Sub SB 689 State Employees' Retirement Act Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
8/29 SCS HCS HB 1 Economic Development Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
8/24 HCS HB 1 Renewable Energy Tax Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
8/22 SB 624 Presidential Primary Date Change Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
8/21 SB 77 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 12)
8/10 HB 3866 2007-2008 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 5)
8/09 HB 556 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 24)
8/02 S 1 Lobbying and Donation Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (83 - 14)

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