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 31, 2011 IL SB 1178 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 25)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 1178 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 25)
May 31, 2011 LA SB 108 Limits Tax and Bond Elections Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 30, 2011 NV AB 301 Voting Privileges for Felons Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
May 27, 2011 IL SB 1177 General Assembly Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 22)
May 27, 2011 IL SB 1177 General Assembly Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 22)
May 27, 2011 CT HB 6650 Appropriations for Judicial Branch and Other Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 26, 2011 NE LB 704 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
May 26, 2011 NE LB 704 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
May 26, 2011 NE LB 703 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
May 26, 2011 NE LB 703 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
May 25, 2011 NV AB 566 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 25, 2011 NV AB 566 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 21, 2011 TX HB 150 2011-2012 Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
May 21, 2011 TX HB 150 2011-2012 Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
May 18, 2011 TN SJR 221 Constitutional Amendment to Prohibit State Income Tax Amendment Adopted - Senate (26 - 4)
May 17, 2011 MN HF 1425 Legislative Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 29)
May 17, 2011 MN HF 1426 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
May 17, 2011 MN HF 1426 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
May 16, 2011 OK HB 2145 State House Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 4)
May 16, 2011 OK HB 2145 State House Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 4)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4479 Interstate Compact and Business Tax Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
May 12, 2011 TN HB 600 Equal Access to Interstate Commerce Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4484 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Judges and State Officials Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 12, 2011 RI S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
May 11, 2011 SC H 3003 Voter ID Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 16)
May 11, 2011 KS SB 129 Amends Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Rejected - Senate (15 - 23)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
May 10, 2011 NV SB 497 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 10, 2011 NV SB 497 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 9, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 9, 2011 CA SB 168 Prohibits Paid Signature-Gatherers Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
May 7, 2011 UT HB 328 State Government Work Week Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
May 5, 2011 CO SB 200 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
May 4, 2011 MO HB 193 Congressional Redistricting Plan Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
May 4, 2011 MO HB 193 Congressional Redistricting Plan Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
May 4, 2011 FL HJR 381 Homestead and Property Assessment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
May 3, 2011 VT H 202 Single-Payer and Unified Health System Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 9)
May 3, 2011 NC HB 129 Regulates Competition Between Local Government and Private Business Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
May 3, 2011 OK HB 1527 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 5)
May 3, 2011 OK HB 1527 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 5)
April 28, 2011 FL HJR 1179 Prohibits Public Funding of Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
April 28, 2011 FL HB 45 Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
April 27, 2011 IN HB 1601 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
April 27, 2011 IN HB 1601 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
April 25, 2011 OR SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
April 21, 2011 AL SJR 82 Establishing A Constitutional Revision Commission Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
April 20, 2011 IA SF 525 Revises the Iowa Mental Health System Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
April 19, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
April 14, 2011 IA HF 682 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
April 14, 2011 IA HF 682 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
April 13, 2011 MO HB 193 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
April 13, 2011 LA HB 6 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
April 13, 2011 LA HB 6 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
April 13, 2011 MO HB 193 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
April 13, 2011 MT HB 574 Clarifying Montana Constitution with Regards to Abortion Amendment Rejected - Senate (30 - 20)
April 13, 2011 AZ HB 2177 Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Presidential Candidates Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
April 13, 2011 AZ HB 2177 Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Presidential Candidates Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
April 12, 2011 GA HB 47 Ability to Purchase Insurance Out of State Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
April 12, 2011 OK S Amdt 1 Removes Provision Authorizing Legislators to Carry Firearms Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
April 12, 2011 AR SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
April 12, 2011 AR SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
April 11, 2011 VA HB 5001 Legislative Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17)
April 11, 2011 VA HB 5001 Legislative Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17)
April 11, 2011 LA HB 1 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
April 11, 2011 LA HB 1 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
April 11, 2011 GA HB 92 Limits Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
April 7, 2011 ND HB 1267 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 7, 2011 ND HB 1267 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 6, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 6, 2011 AR SB 871 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
April 6, 2011 AR SB 871 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
April 6, 2011 OR SB 552 Establishes the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 5, 2011 MT SB 125 Prohibits State from Requiring Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
April 5, 2011 MD HB 302 Parole Approval Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
April 5, 2011 ID H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
March 30, 2011 ID S 1198 Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
March 30, 2011 NH SB 129 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
March 25, 2011 UT HB 1001 Repeal HB 477 Motion Agreed - Senate (19 - 5)
March 24, 2011 FL HB 1207 Campaign Financing Act Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
March 21, 2011 NJ S 2756 Authorizes Registered Voters to Receive Mail-In Ballots Automatically Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
March 17, 2011 CA AB 109 Criminal Justice Realignment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
March 16, 2011 GA SB 10 Alcoholic Beverage Sales on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
March 15, 2011 MI HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
March 15, 2011 MI HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
March 14, 2011 OK SB 91 Proof of Presidential Candidates' Citizenship Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 10)
March 14, 2011 OK SB 91 Proof of Presidential Candidates' Citizenship Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 10)
March 14, 2011 NY S 3331 Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
March 14, 2011 NY S 3331 Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
March 14, 2011 NY S 3331 Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
March 11, 2011 ND HB 1263 Athletic Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
March 10, 2011 AZ SCR 1016 Constitutional Convention on Federal Debt Resolution Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
March 10, 2011 UT HB 317 Specifies that Gold and Silver Coins are Legal Tender in Utah Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
March 10, 2011 UT HB 317 Specifies that Gold and Silver Coins are Legal Tender in Utah Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
March 9, 2011 WI AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 1)
March 9, 2011 MI HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
March 9, 2011 MI HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/31 SB 1178 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 25)
5/31 SB 1178 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 25)
5/31 SB 108 Limits Tax and Bond Elections Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/30 AB 301 Voting Privileges for Felons Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/27 SB 1177 General Assembly Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 22)
5/27 SB 1177 General Assembly Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 22)
5/27 HB 6650 Appropriations for Judicial Branch and Other Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/26 LB 704 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
5/26 LB 704 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
5/26 LB 703 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
5/26 LB 703 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
5/25 AB 566 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/25 AB 566 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/21 HB 150 2011-2012 Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
5/21 HB 150 2011-2012 Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
5/20 SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
5/18 SJR 221 Constitutional Amendment to Prohibit State Income Tax Amendment Adopted - Senate (26 - 4)
5/17 HF 1425 Legislative Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 29)
5/17 HF 1426 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
5/17 HF 1426 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
5/16 HB 2145 State House Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 4)
5/16 HB 2145 State House Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 4)
5/12 HB 4479 Interstate Compact and Business Tax Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
5/12 HB 600 Equal Access to Interstate Commerce Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
5/12 HB 4484 State Tax on Retirement Distributions for Judges and State Officials Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/12 S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
5/11 H 3003 Voter ID Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 16)
5/11 SB 129 Amends Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Rejected - Senate (15 - 23)
5/11 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
5/10 SB 497 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/10 SB 497 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/09 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/09 SB 168 Prohibits Paid Signature-Gatherers Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
5/07 HB 328 State Government Work Week Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
5/05 SB 200 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
5/04 HB 193 Congressional Redistricting Plan Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
5/04 HB 193 Congressional Redistricting Plan Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
5/04 HJR 381 Homestead and Property Assessment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
5/03 H 202 Single-Payer and Unified Health System Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 9)
5/03 HB 129 Regulates Competition Between Local Government and Private Business Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
5/03 HB 1527 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 5)
5/03 HB 1527 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 5)
4/28 HJR 1179 Prohibits Public Funding of Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
4/28 HB 45 Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
4/27 HB 1601 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
4/27 HB 1601 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
4/25 SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
4/21 SJR 82 Establishing A Constitutional Revision Commission Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
4/20 SF 525 Revises the Iowa Mental Health System Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
4/19 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/14 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
4/14 HF 682 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
4/14 HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
4/14 HF 682 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
4/13 HB 193 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
4/13 HB 6 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
4/13 HB 6 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
4/13 HB 193 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
4/13 HB 574 Clarifying Montana Constitution with Regards to Abortion Amendment Rejected - Senate (30 - 20)
4/13 HB 2177 Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Presidential Candidates Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
4/13 HB 2177 Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Presidential Candidates Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
4/12 HB 47 Ability to Purchase Insurance Out of State Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
4/12 S Amdt 1 Removes Provision Authorizing Legislators to Carry Firearms Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
4/12 SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
4/12 SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
4/11 HB 5001 Legislative Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17)
4/11 HB 5001 Legislative Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17)
4/11 HB 1 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
4/11 HB 1 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
4/11 HB 92 Limits Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
4/07 HB 1267 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/07 HB 1267 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/06 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/06 SB 871 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
4/06 SB 871 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
4/06 SB 552 Establishes the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/05 SB 125 Prohibits State from Requiring Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
4/05 HB 302 Parole Approval Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
4/05 H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
3/30 S 1198 Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
3/30 SB 129 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
3/25 HB 1001 Repeal HB 477 Motion Agreed - Senate (19 - 5)
3/24 HB 1207 Campaign Financing Act Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
3/21 S 2756 Authorizes Registered Voters to Receive Mail-In Ballots Automatically Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
3/17 AB 109 Criminal Justice Realignment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
3/16 SB 10 Alcoholic Beverage Sales on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
3/15 HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
3/15 HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
3/14 SB 91 Proof of Presidential Candidates' Citizenship Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 10)
3/14 SB 91 Proof of Presidential Candidates' Citizenship Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 10)
3/14 S 3331 Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
3/14 S 3331 Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
3/14 S 3331 Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
3/11 HB 1263 Athletic Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
3/10 SCR 1016 Constitutional Convention on Federal Debt Resolution Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
3/10 HB 317 Specifies that Gold and Silver Coins are Legal Tender in Utah Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
3/10 HB 317 Specifies that Gold and Silver Coins are Legal Tender in Utah Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
3/09 AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 1)
3/09 HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
3/09 HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)

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