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
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 31, 2007 MN SF 1611 Income Tax Increase and Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 29)
March 30, 2007 ID H 336 Highway Project Financing Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
March 29, 2007 IN HB 1835 Slot Machines at Race Tracks Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
March 29, 2007 ID S 1245 Highway Bonding Bill Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 23)
March 29, 2007 MN SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
March 28, 2007 KS HB 2019 Voter Identification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
March 28, 2007 IA SF 430 Recognition of Tribal Court Decisions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 28, 2007 MD SB 634 Presidential Election by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
March 27, 2007 KS SB 385 State Employee Pay Increase Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
March 27, 2007 IA HF 653 Election Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
March 26, 2007 MN HF 946 Transportation Funding and Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 24)
March 24, 2007 MN SF 1997 2008-2009 State Government Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
March 23, 2007 MD SB 488 Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
March 23, 2007 MN SF 1986 Transportation Taxes and Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 24)
March 22, 2007 MI SB 307 Service Providers Excise Tax Act Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 22)
March 22, 2007 AR SB 1004 Beer Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
March 22, 2007 MN SF 1989 2008-2009 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 2)
March 21, 2007 MD Amendment 993627/1 2008-2009 Budget Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 33)
March 20, 2007 AL HJR 29 State Legislature Pay Increase Veto Override Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 20, 2007 National S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
March 20, 2007 IL SB 1296 Damages in Civil Actions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23)
March 20, 2007 GA SB 174 Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
March 15, 2007 OR HB 2707 Oregon Rainy Day Fund Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 13, 2007 OK SB 861 Sales Tax Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
March 13, 2007 OK SB 507 Firearm Injury Liability and Tort Reform Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
March 8, 2007 MS SB 2391 Abortion Law Reform Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
March 8, 2007 AZ SB 1152 REAL ID Implementation Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
March 7, 2007 IA SF 128 Tobacco Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
March 7, 2007 ID S 1172 English as the Official Language Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 5, 2007 NY S 3318 Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 8)
March 3, 2007 SD HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 16)
Feb. 27, 2007 NM SB 322 Requiring Conference Committees to be Public Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21)
Feb. 27, 2007 MD SB 61 Evidence in Sexual Misconduct Trials Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
Feb. 27, 2007 IN SB 401 Legislator Salary Adjustment Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Feb. 26, 2007 SD HB 1139 Tobacco Tax Funds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
Feb. 22, 2007 SD HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
Feb. 22, 2007 KS Sub SB 152 Elections for Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 22, 2007 KS Sub SB 152 Elections for Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 20, 2007 MD SB 1 Early Voting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
Feb. 15, 2007 KS SB 169 Identification Requirement to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
Feb. 15, 2007 ND SB 2397 Oil Well Tax Cut Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
Feb. 14, 2007 ND SB 2347 In-State Tuition Grants Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 7)
Feb. 14, 2007 VA S Sub Funding for Statewide Transportation Projects Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2007 IA SF 162 Stem Cell Research and Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
Feb. 14, 2007 ND SB 2032 Property Tax Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 22)
Feb. 13, 2007 CA SB 113 Presidential Primaries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
Feb. 9, 2007 UT HB 148 Parent Choice in Education Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
Feb. 8, 2007 MT SB 290 Presidential Election by Popular Vote Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 30)
Feb. 7, 2007 MS SB 2391 Parental Consent Waiver for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 0)
Feb. 7, 2007 MS SB 2617 Voter Identification Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
Feb. 6, 2007 SD SJR 7 Extension of Term Limits Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
Feb. 6, 2007 SD SJR 7 Extension of Term Limits Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
Feb. 5, 2007 ND SB 2143 Clean Election Fund Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 33)
Feb. 5, 2007 NJ A 1 Property Tax Relief and Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Jan. 31, 2007 ND SB 2230 Mail Ballot Elections Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
Jan. 29, 2007 VA SB 920 Requirements For Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Jan. 29, 2007 AZ SB 1032 Emergency Room Malpractice Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Jan. 25, 2007 VA SJ 307 Voting Rights of Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 284 The Appointment of the Adjutant General Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 18)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 101 Reorganization of the State Government Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 23)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 101 Reorganization of the State Government Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 23)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 285 The Appointment of the Comptroller General Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 285 The Appointment of the Comptroller General Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 286 Appointment of the Superintendent of Education Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 19)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 286 Appointment of the Superintendent of Education Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 19)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 288 Appointment of the Secretary of State Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 13)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 287 The Appointment of the Commissioner of Agriculture Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 15)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 287 The Appointment of the Commissioner of Agriculture Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 15)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 288 Appointment of the Secretary of State Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 13)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 284 The Appointment of the Adjutant General Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 18)
Jan. 23, 2007 VA SJ 352 Creation of a Bipartisan Redistricting Commission Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Jan. 22, 2007 CO SB 26 Funding Full-Day Kindergarten Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Dec. 4, 2006 NJ S 2193 Presidential Primaries Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S Amdt 5104 Military Commissions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
Sept. 13, 2006 National S Amdt 4936 National Security Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (41 - 57)
Aug. 16, 2006 CA SCA 3 Redistricting Commission Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
Aug. 16, 2006 CA SCA 3 Redistricting Commission Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
July 19, 2006 NC HB 1024 Instant Runoff Voting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
July 13, 2006 MA H 126 Unsigned Political Posters Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
July 8, 2006 NJ A 4707 Luxury and Fuel Inefficient Automobiles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
July 8, 2006 CO HB 1020 Business Deductions for Employees Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
July 8, 2006 NJ A 4714 Fur Clothing Tax Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
July 8, 2006 NJ A 4901 Sales Tax Bill of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
July 8, 2006 NJ S 2007 2006-2007 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
July 1, 2006 PA HB 2499 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 21)
June 27, 2006 CA AB 1801 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 10)
June 27, 2006 National S J Res 12 Flag Desecration Constitutional Amendment Resolution Failed - Senate (66 - 34)
June 23, 2006 RI H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
June 23, 2006 RI H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
June 21, 2006 NY S 8446 DNA Database Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 2)
June 16, 2006 LA HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 19)
June 16, 2006 LA HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 18)
June 14, 2006 SC H 4410 Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Bill Veto Override Failed - Senate (8 - 29)
June 14, 2006 MD SB 52 Maryland Transportation Authority Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
June 14, 2006 SC H 4410 Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Bill Veto Override Failed - Senate (8 - 29)
June 14, 2006 SC H 4810 2006-2007 Budget Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
June 13, 2006 RI H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
June 13, 2006 RI H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/04 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
4/04 Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/31 SF 1611 Income Tax Increase and Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 29)
3/30 H 336 Highway Project Financing Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
3/29 HB 1835 Slot Machines at Race Tracks Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
3/29 S 1245 Highway Bonding Bill Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 23)
3/29 SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
3/28 HB 2019 Voter Identification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
3/28 SF 430 Recognition of Tribal Court Decisions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/28 SB 634 Presidential Election by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
3/27 SB 385 State Employee Pay Increase Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
3/27 HF 653 Election Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
3/26 HF 946 Transportation Funding and Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 24)
3/24 SF 1997 2008-2009 State Government Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
3/23 SB 488 Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
3/23 SF 1986 Transportation Taxes and Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 24)
3/22 SB 307 Service Providers Excise Tax Act Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 22)
3/22 SB 1004 Beer Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
3/22 SF 1989 2008-2009 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 2)
3/21 Amendment 993627/1 2008-2009 Budget Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 33)
3/20 HJR 29 State Legislature Pay Increase Veto Override Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/20 S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
3/20 SB 1296 Damages in Civil Actions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23)
3/20 SB 174 Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
3/15 HB 2707 Oregon Rainy Day Fund Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/13 SB 861 Sales Tax Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
3/13 SB 507 Firearm Injury Liability and Tort Reform Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
3/08 SB 2391 Abortion Law Reform Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
3/08 SB 1152 REAL ID Implementation Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
3/07 SF 128 Tobacco Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
3/07 S 1172 English as the Official Language Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/05 S 3318 Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 8)
3/03 HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 16)
2/27 SB 322 Requiring Conference Committees to be Public Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21)
2/27 SB 61 Evidence in Sexual Misconduct Trials Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
2/27 SB 401 Legislator Salary Adjustment Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
2/26 HB 1139 Tobacco Tax Funds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
2/22 HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
2/22 Sub SB 152 Elections for Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/22 Sub SB 152 Elections for Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/20 SB 1 Early Voting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
2/15 SB 169 Identification Requirement to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
2/15 SB 2397 Oil Well Tax Cut Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
2/14 SB 2347 In-State Tuition Grants Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 7)
2/14 S Sub Funding for Statewide Transportation Projects Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
2/14 SF 162 Stem Cell Research and Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
2/14 SB 2032 Property Tax Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 22)
2/13 SB 113 Presidential Primaries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
2/09 HB 148 Parent Choice in Education Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
2/08 SB 290 Presidential Election by Popular Vote Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 30)
2/07 SB 2391 Parental Consent Waiver for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 0)
2/07 SB 2617 Voter Identification Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
2/06 SJR 7 Extension of Term Limits Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
2/06 SJR 7 Extension of Term Limits Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
2/05 SB 2143 Clean Election Fund Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 33)
2/05 A 1 Property Tax Relief and Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
1/31 SB 2230 Mail Ballot Elections Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
1/29 SB 920 Requirements For Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
1/29 SB 1032 Emergency Room Malpractice Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
1/25 SJ 307 Voting Rights of Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
1/24 S 284 The Appointment of the Adjutant General Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 18)
1/24 S 101 Reorganization of the State Government Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 23)
1/24 S 101 Reorganization of the State Government Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 23)
1/24 S 285 The Appointment of the Comptroller General Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
1/24 S 285 The Appointment of the Comptroller General Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
1/24 S 286 Appointment of the Superintendent of Education Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 19)
1/24 S 286 Appointment of the Superintendent of Education Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 19)
1/24 S 288 Appointment of the Secretary of State Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 13)
1/24 S 287 The Appointment of the Commissioner of Agriculture Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 15)
1/24 S 287 The Appointment of the Commissioner of Agriculture Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 15)
1/24 S 288 Appointment of the Secretary of State Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 13)
1/24 S 284 The Appointment of the Adjutant General Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 18)
1/23 SJ 352 Creation of a Bipartisan Redistricting Commission Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
1/22 SB 26 Funding Full-Day Kindergarten Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
12/04 S 2193 Presidential Primaries Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
9/28 S Amdt 5104 Military Commissions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
9/13 S Amdt 4936 National Security Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (41 - 57)
8/16 SCA 3 Redistricting Commission Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
8/16 SCA 3 Redistricting Commission Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
7/19 HB 1024 Instant Runoff Voting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
7/13 H 126 Unsigned Political Posters Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
7/08 A 4707 Luxury and Fuel Inefficient Automobiles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
7/08 HB 1020 Business Deductions for Employees Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
7/08 A 4714 Fur Clothing Tax Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
7/08 A 4901 Sales Tax Bill of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
7/08 S 2007 2006-2007 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
7/01 HB 2499 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 21)
6/27 AB 1801 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 10)
6/27 S J Res 12 Flag Desecration Constitutional Amendment Resolution Failed - Senate (66 - 34)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
6/21 S 8446 DNA Database Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 2)
6/16 HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 19)
6/16 HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 18)
6/14 H 4410 Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Bill Veto Override Failed - Senate (8 - 29)
6/14 SB 52 Maryland Transportation Authority Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
6/14 H 4410 Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Bill Veto Override Failed - Senate (8 - 29)
6/14 H 4810 2006-2007 Budget Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
6/13 H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
6/13 H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)

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