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
May 30, 2009 IL HJRCA 31 Authorizing Governor Recall Elections Joint Resolution Passed - House (109 - 6)
May 29, 2009 OR HB 2001 Transit and Gas Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
May 29, 2009 CT SB 913 Elections to Fill US Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 29, 2009 CT SB 913 Elections to Fill US Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 29, 2009 OR HB 2834 Funding School for Blind Bill Passed - House (41 - 18)
May 29, 2009 NV AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - House (33 - 9)
May 29, 2009 NV AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - House (33 - 9)
May 28, 2009 NC SB 703 Restrictions on the State Treasurer Regarding the State Pension Fund Bill Passed - House (64 - 50)
May 28, 2009 IL HB 7 Campaign Contribution Limits Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 22)
May 28, 2009 RI H 5097 Requiring Voters to Present ID at Polls Bill Passed - House (48 - 24)
May 28, 2009 LA SB 296 Retirement Debt Payment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
May 27, 2009 CT HB 6385 Probate Court System Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
May 27, 2009 LA HB 689 Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Fund Bill Passed - House (60 - 24)
May 27, 2009 MI SB 585 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 27, 2009 MI SB 585 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 27, 2009 AZ HB 2001 Scholarships for Disabled or Displaced Students Bill Passed - House (35 - 25)
May 27, 2009 AZ HB 2001 Scholarships for Disabled or Displaced Students Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
May 27, 2009 OR HB 2001 Transit and Gas Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (38 - 22)
May 27, 2009 MI SB 587 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 27, 2009 MI SB 587 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 27, 2009 ME LD 353 2009-2011 Biennial Budget Bill Passed - House (119 - 26)
May 26, 2009 CT HB 6435 Election Day Registration Bill Passed - House (81 - 65)
May 26, 2009 OR SB 284 Extension of Statute of Ultimate Repose Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
May 22, 2009 IL HB 255 Video Gambling in Various Establishments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 30)
May 22, 2009 CT SB 1167 Deficit Reduction Bill Passed - House (96 - 34)
May 22, 2009 NV SB 429 Omnibus Tax Bill Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
May 22, 2009 NV SB 311 Washoe County Fluoridation Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 1645 Requiring Qualified Purchasing Agents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 26)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 2451 Vote by Mail Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 29)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 2451 Vote by Mail Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 3902 Election Requirements for Lieutenant Governor Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
May 21, 2009 CT SB 1167 Deficit Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 3902 Election Requirements for Lieutenant Governor Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
May 20, 2009 SC H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
May 20, 2009 SC H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - House (98 - 19)
May 20, 2009 IL HB 255 Video Gambling in Various Establishments Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 12)
May 20, 2009 CT HB 6600 SustiNet Health Insurance Plan Bill Passed - House (107 - 35)
May 20, 2009 CT HB 6582 Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - House (109 - 36)
May 19, 2009 LA HB 782 Wireless Phone Card Fees Bill Passed - House (79 - 13)
May 19, 2009 LA HB 504 Jefferson Parish School Board Elections Bill Passed - House (63 - 26)
May 19, 2009 LA HB 504 Jefferson Parish School Board Elections Bill Passed - House (63 - 26)
May 19, 2009 OR HB 2005 Petition Regulation Amendments Bill Passed - House (52 - 7)
May 18, 2009 MN HF 2323 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 47)
May 17, 2009 MN HF 1362 Health Budget Veto Override Failed - House (87 - 47)
May 17, 2009 MN HF 885 Tax Law Amendments Veto Override Failed - House (85 - 49)
May 15, 2009 LA HB 3 Omnibus Bond Act Bill Failed - House (62 - 24)
May 15, 2009 MO HB 191 Law Changes Regarding Taxation Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
May 14, 2009 AL HB 175 Permitting Elections in Smaller Municipalities on Allowing Alcohol Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
May 13, 2009 AZ HB 2028 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
May 13, 2009 AZ HB 2028 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
May 12, 2009 MO SB 306 State Health Care Expansion Bill Passed - House (83 - 77)
May 12, 2009 CT HB 6437 National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (76 - 69)
May 12, 2009 LA HB 60 Birth Certificates for Adoption Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
May 11, 2009 MN HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 18)
May 11, 2009 MN HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 51)
May 11, 2009 TX HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 11, 2009 MN SF 1331 Changing Early Voting and Special Election Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 27)
May 8, 2009 HI SB 1111 Transient Accommodations Tax Increase Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
May 8, 2009 MN HF 885 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 20)
May 8, 2009 MN HF 885 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 45)
May 8, 2009 FL SB 788 Gambling Expansion Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 35)
May 8, 2009 FL SB 788 Gambling Expansion Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 9)
May 8, 2009 FL SB 2600 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 43)
May 8, 2009 FL SB 2600 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 8)
May 8, 2009 MN HF 1231 2010-2011 Cultural and Outdoor Resources Budget Bill Passed - House (78 - 51)
May 8, 2009 FL SB 1778 Increases Certain Transportation-Related Fees Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 43)
May 8, 2009 ID H 376 Transportation Funding Package Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
May 8, 2009 ID H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
May 7, 2009 MO HB 11 2009-2010 Social Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 7)
May 7, 2009 MO HB 11 2009-2010 Social Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (87 - 74)
May 7, 2009 VT H 441 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 10)
May 7, 2009 KS HB 2373 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 60)
May 7, 2009 MO HB 22 Capital Improvements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
May 7, 2009 ID H 376 Transportation Funding Package Bill Passed - House (46 - 18)
May 7, 2009 ID H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - House (49 - 15)
May 6, 2009 CO HB 1366 Capital Gains Income Tax Reduction Modification Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 28)
May 6, 2009 CO HB 1366 Capital Gains Income Tax Reduction Modification Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 6, 2009 MI HB 4785 Job Training Program Benefits and Security Bill Passed - House (68 - 39)
May 6, 2009 MI HB 4786 Part-Time Work Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (68 - 39)
May 6, 2009 PA SB 850 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
May 5, 2009 MN SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 57)
May 5, 2009 KS HB 2373 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
May 4, 2009 VT Transportation Amendment to S 67 Selective Service Registration by Drivers License Amendment Rejected - House (60 - 68)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
May 4, 2009 ND SB 2003 2009-2011 Biennuim Higher Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 24)
May 4, 2009 MO HB 22 Capital Improvements Bill Passed - House (117 - 42)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
May 1, 2009 FL HB 903 Capping Attorney Fees in Workers' Compensation Lawsuits Motion Agreed - Senate (22 - 16)
May 1, 2009 FL HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 23)
May 1, 2009 FL HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 23)
May 1, 2009 FL HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
May 1, 2009 FL HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
May 1, 2009 MA H 4101 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (137 - 19)
April 30, 2009 AL HB 175 Permitting Elections in Smaller Municipalities on Allowing Alcohol Veto Override Passed - House (54 - 19)
April 30, 2009 FL Amdt 626368 Liability Insurance Related to SunRail Commuter Line Motion Rejected - Senate (17 - 23)
April 30, 2009 MO SB 71 Income Tax Rate Reduction and Additional Tax Credt Bill Passed - House (86 - 66)
April 29, 2009 FL Amdt 337171 Expanding Unemployment Benefits Eligibility Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 71)
April 29, 2009 IN HB 1491 St. Joseph Superior Court Judges Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
April 29, 2009 IN HB 1491 St. Joseph Superior Court Judges Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
April 29, 2009 IN HB 1379 Unemployment Benefit Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 47)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/30 HJRCA 31 Authorizing Governor Recall Elections Joint Resolution Passed - House (109 - 6)
5/29 HB 2001 Transit and Gas Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
5/29 SB 913 Elections to Fill US Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/29 SB 913 Elections to Fill US Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/29 HB 2834 Funding School for Blind Bill Passed - House (41 - 18)
5/29 AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - House (33 - 9)
5/29 AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - House (33 - 9)
5/28 SB 703 Restrictions on the State Treasurer Regarding the State Pension Fund Bill Passed - House (64 - 50)
5/28 HB 7 Campaign Contribution Limits Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 22)
5/28 H 5097 Requiring Voters to Present ID at Polls Bill Passed - House (48 - 24)
5/28 SB 296 Retirement Debt Payment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
5/27 HB 6385 Probate Court System Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
5/27 HB 689 Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Fund Bill Passed - House (60 - 24)
5/27 SB 585 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/27 SB 585 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/27 HB 2001 Scholarships for Disabled or Displaced Students Bill Passed - House (35 - 25)
5/27 HB 2001 Scholarships for Disabled or Displaced Students Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
5/27 HB 2001 Transit and Gas Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (38 - 22)
5/27 SB 587 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/27 SB 587 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/27 LD 353 2009-2011 Biennial Budget Bill Passed - House (119 - 26)
5/26 HB 6435 Election Day Registration Bill Passed - House (81 - 65)
5/26 SB 284 Extension of Statute of Ultimate Repose Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
5/22 HB 255 Video Gambling in Various Establishments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 30)
5/22 SB 1167 Deficit Reduction Bill Passed - House (96 - 34)
5/22 SB 429 Omnibus Tax Bill Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
5/22 SB 311 Washoe County Fluoridation Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
5/21 A 1645 Requiring Qualified Purchasing Agents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 26)
5/21 A 2451 Vote by Mail Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 29)
5/21 A 2451 Vote by Mail Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
5/21 A 3902 Election Requirements for Lieutenant Governor Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
5/21 SB 1167 Deficit Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/21 A 3902 Election Requirements for Lieutenant Governor Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
5/20 H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
5/20 H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - House (98 - 19)
5/20 HB 255 Video Gambling in Various Establishments Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 12)
5/20 HB 6600 SustiNet Health Insurance Plan Bill Passed - House (107 - 35)
5/20 HB 6582 Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - House (109 - 36)
5/19 HB 782 Wireless Phone Card Fees Bill Passed - House (79 - 13)
5/19 HB 504 Jefferson Parish School Board Elections Bill Passed - House (63 - 26)
5/19 HB 504 Jefferson Parish School Board Elections Bill Passed - House (63 - 26)
5/19 HB 2005 Petition Regulation Amendments Bill Passed - House (52 - 7)
5/18 HF 2323 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 47)
5/17 HF 1362 Health Budget Veto Override Failed - House (87 - 47)
5/17 HF 885 Tax Law Amendments Veto Override Failed - House (85 - 49)
5/15 HB 3 Omnibus Bond Act Bill Failed - House (62 - 24)
5/15 HB 191 Law Changes Regarding Taxation Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
5/14 HB 175 Permitting Elections in Smaller Municipalities on Allowing Alcohol Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
5/13 HB 2028 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
5/13 HB 2028 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
5/12 SB 306 State Health Care Expansion Bill Passed - House (83 - 77)
5/12 HB 6437 National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (76 - 69)
5/12 HB 60 Birth Certificates for Adoption Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
5/11 HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 18)
5/11 HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 51)
5/11 HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/11 SF 1331 Changing Early Voting and Special Election Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 27)
5/08 SB 1111 Transient Accommodations Tax Increase Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
5/08 HF 885 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 20)
5/08 HF 885 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 45)
5/08 SB 788 Gambling Expansion Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 35)
5/08 SB 788 Gambling Expansion Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 9)
5/08 SB 2600 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 43)
5/08 SB 2600 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 8)
5/08 HF 1231 2010-2011 Cultural and Outdoor Resources Budget Bill Passed - House (78 - 51)
5/08 SB 1778 Increases Certain Transportation-Related Fees Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 43)
5/08 H 376 Transportation Funding Package Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
5/08 H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
5/07 HB 11 2009-2010 Social Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 7)
5/07 HB 11 2009-2010 Social Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (87 - 74)
5/07 H 441 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 10)
5/07 HB 2373 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 60)
5/07 HB 22 Capital Improvements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
5/07 H 376 Transportation Funding Package Bill Passed - House (46 - 18)
5/07 H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - House (49 - 15)
5/06 HB 1366 Capital Gains Income Tax Reduction Modification Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 28)
5/06 HB 1366 Capital Gains Income Tax Reduction Modification Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/06 HB 4785 Job Training Program Benefits and Security Bill Passed - House (68 - 39)
5/06 HB 4786 Part-Time Work Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (68 - 39)
5/06 SB 850 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
5/05 SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 57)
5/05 HB 2373 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
5/04 Transportation Amendment to S 67 Selective Service Registration by Drivers License Amendment Rejected - House (60 - 68)
5/04 SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
5/04 SB 2003 2009-2011 Biennuim Higher Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 24)
5/04 HB 22 Capital Improvements Bill Passed - House (117 - 42)
5/04 SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
5/01 HB 903 Capping Attorney Fees in Workers' Compensation Lawsuits Motion Agreed - Senate (22 - 16)
5/01 HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 23)
5/01 HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 23)
5/01 HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
5/01 HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
5/01 H 4101 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (137 - 19)
4/30 HB 175 Permitting Elections in Smaller Municipalities on Allowing Alcohol Veto Override Passed - House (54 - 19)
4/30 Amdt 626368 Liability Insurance Related to SunRail Commuter Line Motion Rejected - Senate (17 - 23)
4/30 SB 71 Income Tax Rate Reduction and Additional Tax Credt Bill Passed - House (86 - 66)
4/29 Amdt 337171 Expanding Unemployment Benefits Eligibility Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 71)
4/29 HB 1491 St. Joseph Superior Court Judges Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
4/29 HB 1491 St. Joseph Superior Court Judges Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
4/29 HB 1379 Unemployment Benefit Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 47)

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