Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
June 6, 2012 NH CACR 12 Legislative Authority of Education Requirements Conference Report Rejected - House (224 - 144)
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 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)
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 19, 2012 AZ SB 1182 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act Bill Passed - House (34 - 22)
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 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 22, 2012 CA AJR 22 Requests a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United Joint Resolution Passed - House (48 - 22)
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 MN HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (72 - 62)
March 14, 2012 PA HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 88)
March 14, 2012 NY A 9556 Authorizes Casino Gambling Amendment Adopted - House (96 - 45)
March 8, 2012 VA SB 1 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (66 - 31)
March 6, 2012 WI AJR 63 Limits Recalls of Elected Officials Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 37)
March 5, 2012 AZ HCR 2043 Amends Requirements for Ballot Measures for Future Tax Increases Resolution Passed - House (32 - 26)
March 1, 2012 FL HB 1209 Prohibits Courts from Basing Decisions on Foreign Laws Bill Passed - House (92 - 24)
Feb. 29, 2012 IA HJR 2009 Prohibiting Mandatory Licensing and Registration of Guns Amendment Adopted - House (61 - 37)
Feb. 27, 2012 TN HB 2638 Prohibits Camping in Non-Designated Areas of Public Property Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 21)
Feb. 17, 2012 ID H 404 Prohibits Camping on Capitol Mall Property Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 14)
Feb. 16, 2012 AL HB 159 Authorizes Economic Development Incentive Program Bill Passed - House (65 - 22)
Feb. 16, 2012 TN HB 2638 Prohibits Camping in Non-Designated Areas of Public Property Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
Feb. 16, 2012 KY HB 70 Authorizes People Convicted of Certain Felonies to Vote Bill Passed - House (78 - 18)
Feb. 9, 2012 MO HB 1104 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (101 - 54)
Feb. 3, 2012 UT HB 253 Removal of Voters from Voter Registration List Bill Passed - House (46 - 27)
Feb. 1, 2012 VA HB 9 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (69 - 30)
Jan. 26, 2012 ID H 404 Prohibits Camping on Capitol Mall Property Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
Jan. 25, 2012 SD HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - House (55 - 13)
Jan. 18, 2012 NH CACR 13 Prohibits New Personal Income Taxes Resolution Passed - House (257 - 101)
Dec. 14, 2011 National HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
Nov. 30, 2011 NH CACR 14 Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Legislature to Set Standards for Public Education Amendment Rejected - House (114 - 264)
Nov. 18, 2011 National H J Res 2 Proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Joint Resolution Failed - House (261 - 165)
Sept. 12, 2011 NC SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 42)
Aug. 1, 2011 National S 365 Budget Control Act of 2011 Bill Passed - House (269 - 161)
July 29, 2011 National S 627 Increasing the Debt Ceiling (Boehner Bill) Bill Passed - House (218 - 210)
July 19, 2011 National HR 2560 Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011 Bill Passed - House (234 - 190)
June 30, 2011 RI S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (51 - 22)
June 23, 2011 PA HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Bill Passed - House (108 - 88)
June 22, 2011 OH SJR 1 Constitutional Amendment Concerning Health Care Joint Resolution Passed - House (59 - 39)
June 9, 2011 ME LD 1376 Repeals Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (72 - 65)
May 27, 2011 NV AB 552 DNA Samples for Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (31 - 11)
May 26, 2011 National S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 153)
May 25, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 64)
May 21, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (70 - 62)
May 16, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 46)
May 13, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
May 4, 2011 FL HJR 1179 Prohibits Public Funding of Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 34)
May 4, 2011 FL SJR 2 Authorizes Exemptions from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Amendment Adopted - House (80 - 37)
April 27, 2011 FL HJR 1179 Prohibits Public Funding of Abortions Joint Resolution Passed - House (82 - 35)
April 26, 2011 SC H 3003 Voter ID Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 36)
April 20, 2011 AZ HB 2230 Relating to the 9/11 Memorial Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20)
April 15, 2011 FL HJR 7111 Amends the Division of the Florida Supreme Court Amendment Adopted - House (79 - 38)
April 14, 2011 TN SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (57 - 35)
April 7, 2011 NC HB 61 Term Limits for Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate Amendment Adopted - House (72 - 46)
April 5, 2011 AL HB 60 Prohibiting Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 28)
March 30, 2011 NH CACR 6 Requires a Supermajority for Budget Increases Resolution Passed - House (256 - 117)
March 24, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (101 - 48)
March 24, 2011 AL HB 60 Prohibiting Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System Amendment Rejected - House (59 - 28)
March 22, 2011 AL HB 19 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
March 22, 2011 MT HB 574 Clarifying Montana Constitution with Regards to Abortion Amendment Adopted - House (66 - 31)
March 21, 2011 AR HB 1797 Requires Proof of Identity to Vote Bill Passed - House (53 - 36)
March 9, 2011 MD Amendment 223923 Civil Marriage Protection Act Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 72)
March 4, 2011 PA HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws
Feb. 25, 2011 KS HB 2067 Voter Photographic Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (83 - 36)
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. 17, 2011 National HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (279 - 143)
Feb. 17, 2011 IA HF 260 House Rule School Governance Bill Passed - House (65 - 30)
Feb. 16, 2011 SC H 3507 Call For Constitutional Convention Resolution Passed - House (72 - 44)
Feb. 16, 2011 MT HB 206 Constitutional Amendment on Freedom to Choose Health Insurance Coverage Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 31)
Feb. 15, 2011 AR SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
Feb. 14, 2011 National HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Bill Passed - House (275 - 144)
Feb. 11, 2011 KS HCR 5007 Prohibiting Mandated Health Insurance Bill Passed - House (91 - 27)
Feb. 8, 2011 WY HB 204 Patriotism in the Classroom Bill Passed - House (52 - 5)
Feb. 8, 2011 National HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Bill Failed - House (277 - 148)
Feb. 1, 2011 IA HJR 6 Banning Same Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 37)
Jan. 26, 2011 SC H 3003 Voter ID Bill Passed - House (74 - 45)
Nov. 30, 2010 IL SB 1716 Authorizing Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (61 - 52)
Nov. 15, 2010 PA HB 1926 Amending Self-Protection Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (161 - 35)
Oct. 5, 2010 PA HB 40 Self Defense Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (159 - 38)
Aug. 31, 2010 CA AB 2479 Penalties for Violations Committed with the Intent to Capture Images or Recordings of a Person Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 21)
July 10, 2010 NC HB 1403 Collecting DNA Sample Upon Arrest Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 21)
July 7, 2010 NC HB 1403 Collecting DNA Sample Upon Arrest Bill Passed - House (93 - 20)
July 1, 2010 NY S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - House (95 - 44)
June 3, 2010 CA AB 2479 Penalties for Violations Committed with the Intent to Capture Images or Recordings of a Person Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
June 2, 2010 LA SB 9 Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - House (69 - 22)
May 18, 2010 OK HJR 1054 Prohibiting Federal Health Care Mandates Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 24)
May 18, 2010 OK HJR 1056 Prohibits Use of International and Sharia Law in State Courts Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 10)
May 6, 2010 LA HB 863 Prohibits Hand-Held Cell Phones while Driving Bill Failed - House (49 - 41)
May 3, 2010 CT SB 407 Requiring Motorcycle Training Course Bill Passed - House (117 - 31)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/06 CACR 12 Legislative Authority of Education Requirements Conference Report Rejected - House (224 - 144)
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)
5/24 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)
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)
4/19 SB 1182 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act Bill Passed - House (34 - 22)
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)
4/03 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)
3/22 AJR 22 Requests a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United Joint Resolution Passed - House (48 - 22)
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 HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (72 - 62)
3/14 HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 88)
3/14 A 9556 Authorizes Casino Gambling Amendment Adopted - House (96 - 45)
3/08 SB 1 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (66 - 31)
3/06 AJR 63 Limits Recalls of Elected Officials Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 37)
3/05 HCR 2043 Amends Requirements for Ballot Measures for Future Tax Increases Resolution Passed - House (32 - 26)
3/01 HB 1209 Prohibits Courts from Basing Decisions on Foreign Laws Bill Passed - House (92 - 24)
2/29 HJR 2009 Prohibiting Mandatory Licensing and Registration of Guns Amendment Adopted - House (61 - 37)
2/27 HB 2638 Prohibits Camping in Non-Designated Areas of Public Property Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 21)
2/17 H 404 Prohibits Camping on Capitol Mall Property Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 14)
2/16 HB 159 Authorizes Economic Development Incentive Program Bill Passed - House (65 - 22)
2/16 HB 2638 Prohibits Camping in Non-Designated Areas of Public Property Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
2/16 HB 70 Authorizes People Convicted of Certain Felonies to Vote Bill Passed - House (78 - 18)
2/09 HB 1104 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (101 - 54)
2/03 HB 253 Removal of Voters from Voter Registration List Bill Passed - House (46 - 27)
2/01 HB 9 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (69 - 30)
1/26 H 404 Prohibits Camping on Capitol Mall Property Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
1/25 HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - House (55 - 13)
1/18 CACR 13 Prohibits New Personal Income Taxes Resolution Passed - House (257 - 101)
12/14 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
11/30 CACR 14 Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Legislature to Set Standards for Public Education Amendment Rejected - House (114 - 264)
11/18 H J Res 2 Proposing a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Joint Resolution Failed - House (261 - 165)
9/12 SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 42)
8/01 S 365 Budget Control Act of 2011 Bill Passed - House (269 - 161)
7/29 S 627 Increasing the Debt Ceiling (Boehner Bill) Bill Passed - House (218 - 210)
7/19 HR 2560 Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011 Bill Passed - House (234 - 190)
6/30 S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (51 - 22)
6/23 HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Bill Passed - House (108 - 88)
6/22 SJR 1 Constitutional Amendment Concerning Health Care Joint Resolution Passed - House (59 - 39)
6/09 LD 1376 Repeals Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (72 - 65)
5/27 AB 552 DNA Samples for Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (31 - 11)
5/26 S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 153)
5/25 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 64)
5/21 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (70 - 62)
5/16 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 46)
5/13 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
5/04 HJR 1179 Prohibits Public Funding of Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 34)
5/04 SJR 2 Authorizes Exemptions from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Amendment Adopted - House (80 - 37)
4/27 HJR 1179 Prohibits Public Funding of Abortions Joint Resolution Passed - House (82 - 35)
4/26 H 3003 Voter ID Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 36)
4/20 HB 2230 Relating to the 9/11 Memorial Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20)
4/15 HJR 7111 Amends the Division of the Florida Supreme Court Amendment Adopted - House (79 - 38)
4/14 SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (57 - 35)
4/07 HB 61 Term Limits for Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate Amendment Adopted - House (72 - 46)
4/05 HB 60 Prohibiting Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 28)
3/30 CACR 6 Requires a Supermajority for Budget Increases Resolution Passed - House (256 - 117)
3/24 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (101 - 48)
3/24 HB 60 Prohibiting Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System Amendment Rejected - House (59 - 28)
3/22 HB 19 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
3/22 HB 574 Clarifying Montana Constitution with Regards to Abortion Amendment Adopted - House (66 - 31)
3/21 HB 1797 Requires Proof of Identity to Vote Bill Passed - House (53 - 36)
3/09 Amendment 223923 Civil Marriage Protection Act Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 72)
3/04 HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws
2/25 HB 2067 Voter Photographic Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (83 - 36)
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)
2/17 HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (279 - 143)
2/17 HF 260 House Rule School Governance Bill Passed - House (65 - 30)
2/16 H 3507 Call For Constitutional Convention Resolution Passed - House (72 - 44)
2/16 HB 206 Constitutional Amendment on Freedom to Choose Health Insurance Coverage Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 31)
2/15 SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
2/14 HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Bill Passed - House (275 - 144)
2/11 HCR 5007 Prohibiting Mandated Health Insurance Bill Passed - House (91 - 27)
2/08 HB 204 Patriotism in the Classroom Bill Passed - House (52 - 5)
2/08 HR 514 Extension of Various USA PATRIOT Act Provisions Bill Failed - House (277 - 148)
2/01 HJR 6 Banning Same Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 37)
1/26 H 3003 Voter ID Bill Passed - House (74 - 45)
11/30 SB 1716 Authorizing Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (61 - 52)
11/15 HB 1926 Amending Self-Protection Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (161 - 35)
10/05 HB 40 Self Defense Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (159 - 38)
8/31 AB 2479 Penalties for Violations Committed with the Intent to Capture Images or Recordings of a Person Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 21)
7/10 HB 1403 Collecting DNA Sample Upon Arrest Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 21)
7/07 HB 1403 Collecting DNA Sample Upon Arrest Bill Passed - House (93 - 20)
7/01 S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - House (95 - 44)
6/03 AB 2479 Penalties for Violations Committed with the Intent to Capture Images or Recordings of a Person Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
6/02 SB 9 Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - House (69 - 22)
5/18 HJR 1054 Prohibiting Federal Health Care Mandates Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 24)
5/18 HJR 1056 Prohibits Use of International and Sharia Law in State Courts Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 10)
5/06 HB 863 Prohibits Hand-Held Cell Phones while Driving Bill Failed - House (49 - 41)
5/03 SB 407 Requiring Motorcycle Training Course Bill Passed - House (117 - 31)

arrow_upward