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
March 7, 2013 KY HB 279 Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 7, 2013 AL SB 41 Amends Employment Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
March 7, 2013 MO HJR 4 Increases Representative Term Limits Joint Resolution Passed - House (121 - 31)
Feb. 28, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2013 NM HJR 10 Extends Education Disbursements from the Land Grant Fund Joint Resolution Passed - House (36 - 33)
Feb. 28, 2013 MO HJR 11 Establishes the Constitutional Right to Farm Joint Resolution Passed - House (110 - 41)
Feb. 28, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
Feb. 25, 2013 IN HB 1483 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
Feb. 22, 2013 ND HB 1385 Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - House (19 - 72)
Feb. 22, 2013 MT HB 304 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
Feb. 21, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
Feb. 21, 2013 KY HB 89 Requires Police to Collect DNA From Individuals Arrested on Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
Feb. 20, 2013 VA SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
Feb. 20, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Feb. 18, 2013 CO HB 1229 Requires Background Checks For Private Gun Sales and Transfers Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
Feb. 14, 2013 MO HB 48 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (105 - 48)
Feb. 14, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Feb. 7, 2013 ND SCR 4009 Expands "Right to Life" to Human Beings at Any Stage of Development Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
Feb. 6, 2013 NH CACR1 Requires Three-Fifths Majority for Tax Increases "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (206 - 149)
Feb. 5, 2013 VA SB 719 Amends Voting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 5, 2013 VA SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 1, 2013 MT HB 30 Prohibits Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
Jan. 31, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Dec. 28, 2012 National HR 5949 FISA Amendments Act Reauthorization Act of 2012 Bill Passed - Senate (73 - 23)
Dec. 4, 2012 National Treaty Doc. 112-7 The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Treaty Ratification Failed - Senate (61 - 38)
Nov. 29, 2012 National S Amdt 3018 Prohibits the Indefinite Detention of Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents Amendment Adopted - Senate (67 - 29)
Nov. 29, 2012 National S Amdt 3245 Prohibits the Use of Funds for the Transfer or Release of Individuals Detained at Guantanamo Bay Amendment Adopted - Senate (54 - 41)
Sept. 12, 2012 National HR 5949 FISA Amendments Act Reauthorization Act of 2012 Bill Passed - House (301 - 118)
Aug. 29, 2012 CA ACA 10 Limits Citizen-led Initiatives to Amend the State Constitution Amendment Rejected - House (41 - 30)
Aug. 27, 2012 CA AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 29)
Aug. 23, 2012 CA AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
June 27, 2012 NH SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (232 - 110)
June 27, 2012 NH SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (231 - 112)
June 27, 2012 NH SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
June 27, 2012 NH SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
June 13, 2012 MI SB 754 Requires Photo Identification for Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 13, 2012 MI SB 803 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 13, 2012 PA HB 2400 Expands Wiretapping Authority Bill Passed - House (145 - 52)
June 12, 2012 MI SB 803 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Vote Bill Passed - House (67 - 43)
June 12, 2012 MI SB 754 Requires Photo Identification for Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
June 6, 2012 NH SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 5)
June 6, 2012 NH SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 6)
June 6, 2012 NH CACR 12 Legislative Authority of Education Requirements Conference Report Rejected - House (224 - 144)
June 6, 2012 NH CACR 6 Requires a Supermajority for Budget Increases Conference Report Rejected - House (220 - 132)
June 6, 2012 NH CACR 12 Legislative Authority of Education Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 6)
June 6, 2012 NH CACR 6 Requires a Supermajority for Budget Increases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
June 6, 2012 NH SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (260 - 101)
June 6, 2012 NH SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (255 - 103)
May 31, 2012 MA H Amdt 11 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Amendment Adopted - House (105 - 43)
May 31, 2012 CA AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (47 - 26)
May 29, 2012 LA SB 303 Limits Gun Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
May 24, 2012 LA SB 303 Limits Gun Regulations Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
May 18, 2012 National H Amdt 1127 Repeals Indefinite Military Detention Provisions Amendment Rejected - House (182 - 238)
May 16, 2012 NH CACR 26 Authorizes the Legislature to Amend Supreme Court Rules Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
May 5, 2012 CT HB 5024 Authorizes Election Day Registration Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
April 30, 2012 CT HB 5024 Authorizes Election Day Registration Bill Passed - House (83 - 59)
April 26, 2012 MS HB 921 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 39)
April 24, 2012 AZ SB 1182 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
April 19, 2012 AZ SB 1182 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act Bill Passed - House (34 - 22)
April 10, 2012 MS HB 921 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
April 9, 2012 LA SB 303 Limits Gun Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
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 CT HJ 2 Authorizes Absentee Ballots for Any Reason Resolution Passed - House (97 - 50)
April 4, 2012 PA HB 153 Reduces the Number of Members in the General Assembly Bill Passed - House (140 - 49)
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 28, 2012 SC SB 1227 Prohibits Camping on State House Grounds Bill Passed - House (85 - 22)
March 27, 2012 MD SB 892 Expands Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
March 22, 2012 CA AJR 22 Requests a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United Joint Resolution Passed - House (48 - 22)
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 CO HB 1111 Voter Identification Amendments Bill Passed - House (33 - 31)
March 20, 2012 MN HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (72 - 62)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/07 HB 279 Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/07 SB 41 Amends Employment Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
3/07 HJR 4 Increases Representative Term Limits Joint Resolution Passed - House (121 - 31)
2/28 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/28 HJR 10 Extends Education Disbursements from the Land Grant Fund Joint Resolution Passed - House (36 - 33)
2/28 HJR 11 Establishes the Constitutional Right to Farm Joint Resolution Passed - House (110 - 41)
2/28 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
2/25 HB 1483 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
2/22 HB 1385 Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - House (19 - 72)
2/22 HB 304 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
2/21 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
2/21 HB 89 Requires Police to Collect DNA From Individuals Arrested on Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
2/20 SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
2/20 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
2/18 HB 1229 Requires Background Checks For Private Gun Sales and Transfers Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
2/14 HB 48 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (105 - 48)
2/14 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
2/07 SCR 4009 Expands "Right to Life" to Human Beings at Any Stage of Development Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
2/06 CACR1 Requires Three-Fifths Majority for Tax Increases "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (206 - 149)
2/05 SB 719 Amends Voting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/05 SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/01 HB 30 Prohibits Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
1/31 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
12/28 HR 5949 FISA Amendments Act Reauthorization Act of 2012 Bill Passed - Senate (73 - 23)
12/04 Treaty Doc. 112-7 The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Treaty Ratification Failed - Senate (61 - 38)
11/29 S Amdt 3018 Prohibits the Indefinite Detention of Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents Amendment Adopted - Senate (67 - 29)
11/29 S Amdt 3245 Prohibits the Use of Funds for the Transfer or Release of Individuals Detained at Guantanamo Bay Amendment Adopted - Senate (54 - 41)
9/12 HR 5949 FISA Amendments Act Reauthorization Act of 2012 Bill Passed - House (301 - 118)
8/29 ACA 10 Limits Citizen-led Initiatives to Amend the State Constitution Amendment Rejected - House (41 - 30)
8/27 AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 29)
8/23 AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
6/27 SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (232 - 110)
6/27 SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (231 - 112)
6/27 SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
6/27 SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
6/13 SB 754 Requires Photo Identification for Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/13 SB 803 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/13 HB 2400 Expands Wiretapping Authority Bill Passed - House (145 - 52)
6/12 SB 803 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Vote Bill Passed - House (67 - 43)
6/12 SB 754 Requires Photo Identification for Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
6/06 SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 5)
6/06 SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 6)
6/06 CACR 12 Legislative Authority of Education Requirements Conference Report Rejected - House (224 - 144)
6/06 CACR 6 Requires a Supermajority for Budget Increases Conference Report Rejected - House (220 - 132)
6/06 CACR 12 Legislative Authority of Education Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 6)
6/06 CACR 6 Requires a Supermajority for Budget Increases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
6/06 SB 318 Requires In-State Residency to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (260 - 101)
6/06 SB 289 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (255 - 103)
5/31 H Amdt 11 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Amendment Adopted - House (105 - 43)
5/31 AB 1436 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (47 - 26)
5/29 SB 303 Limits Gun Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
5/24 SB 303 Limits Gun Regulations Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
5/18 H Amdt 1127 Repeals Indefinite Military Detention Provisions Amendment Rejected - House (182 - 238)
5/16 CACR 26 Authorizes the Legislature to Amend Supreme Court Rules Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
5/05 HB 5024 Authorizes Election Day Registration Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
4/30 HB 5024 Authorizes Election Day Registration Bill Passed - House (83 - 59)
4/26 HB 921 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 39)
4/24 SB 1182 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
4/19 SB 1182 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act Bill Passed - House (34 - 22)
4/10 HB 921 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
4/09 SB 303 Limits Gun Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
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 HJ 2 Authorizes Absentee Ballots for Any Reason Resolution Passed - House (97 - 50)
4/04 HB 153 Reduces the Number of Members in the General Assembly Bill Passed - House (140 - 49)
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)
3/28 SB 1227 Prohibits Camping on State House Grounds Bill Passed - House (85 - 22)
3/27 SB 892 Expands Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
3/22 AJR 22 Requests a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United Joint Resolution Passed - House (48 - 22)
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 HB 1111 Voter Identification Amendments Bill Passed - House (33 - 31)
3/20 HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (72 - 62)

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