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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
March 3, 2020 OK HB 3967 Prohibits State Contracts with Companies that Boycott Israel Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
March 3, 2020 IA SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
March 3, 2020 HI HB 2128 Increases Number of Voting Centers Per County Bill Passed - House (43 - 6)
March 2, 2020 VA HB 1210 Requires Voting and Election Materials in Languages Other Than English Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 38)
March 2, 2020 AZ SB 1059 Establishes a Ballot Referendum to Raise $900 Million Per Year for State K-12 Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 2, 2020 TN HJR 741 Prohibits the Governor from Solely Taking Action to Assist with the Federal Refugee Resettlement Program Bill Passed - House (71 - 25)
March 2, 2020 TN HJR 741 Prohibits the Governor from Solely Taking Action to Assist with the Federal Refugee Resettlement Program Bill Passed - House (71 - 25)
Feb. 28, 2020 VA HB 1210 Requires Voting and Election Materials in Languages Other Than English Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
Feb. 27, 2020 TN SB 9 Authorizes Local Governments to Prohibit Smoking on Playgrounds Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 14)
Feb. 27, 2020 KY SB 62 Authorizes the Restoration of Voting Rights 5 Years After Completion of Sentence for Certain Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
Feb. 27, 2020 AZ HB 2771 Amends State Income Tax Code to Conform with Federal Tax Law Bill Passed - House (44 - 16)
Feb. 27, 2020 IA HF 2502 Amends Gun Policies Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
Feb. 27, 2020 WY HB 118 Establishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act Bill Passed - House (49 - 9)
Feb. 26, 2020 VA HB 1 Authorizes Absentee Voting Without Needing Excuse Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 34)
Feb. 26, 2020 VA SB 35 Authorizes Localities to Prohibit Guns at Public Events Bill Passed - House (53 - 46)
Feb. 26, 2020 MI SB 686 Prohibits Disciplinary Action Against State Employees for Communicating with Legislative Branch Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Feb. 26, 2020 MI SB 686 Prohibits Disciplinary Action Against State Employees for Communicating with Legislative Branch Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2020 WV SB 106 Establishes Daylight Savings Time as the Official Time Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
Feb. 25, 2020 WV SJR 9 Amends the Constitution to Authorize the State Legislature to Establish Certain Tax Exemptions Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 16)
Feb. 24, 2020 VA HB 1 Authorizes Absentee Voting Without Needing Excuse Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 24, 2020 VA SB 601 Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
Feb. 24, 2020 VA SB 601 Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
Feb. 13, 2020 AZ HB 2686 Amends Local Government Utility Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
Feb. 13, 2020 IA SJR 2001 Amends the State Constitution to Repeal the Right to Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
Feb. 13, 2020 AZ SB 1089 Amends Regulations for Public Records Requests Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
Feb. 13, 2020 AZ SB 1434 Establishes Regulations for Recall Elections Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
Feb. 13, 2020 OK HB 1992 Authorizes Local Governments Pay for Portion of Operating Costs with Property Tax Revenue Bill Passed - House (76 - 20)
Feb. 12, 2020 AZ HB 2686 Amends Local Government Utility Regulations Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
Feb. 12, 2020 AK HB 83 Requires the Establishment of Regulations for Voting by Electronic Transmission Bill Passed - House (28 - 11)
Feb. 11, 2020 VA HB 177 Requires Virginia to Elect the President by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (51 - 46)
Feb. 11, 2020 AL HB 147 Prohibits City Occupational Taxes Without Permission of State Legislature Bill Passed - House (74 - 27)
Feb. 10, 2020 WV SB 275 Establishes an Intermediate Court of Appeals Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
Feb. 10, 2020 WV SB 275 Establishes an Intermediate Court of Appeals Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
Feb. 10, 2020 MO SJR 38 Amends Provisions Regulating the Legislature to Limit the Influence of Partisan Interests Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
Feb. 10, 2020 MO SJR 38 Amends Provisions Regulating the Legislature to Limit the Influence of Partisan Interests Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
Feb. 10, 2020 OK HB 3195 Requires County Jails Comply with ICE Detainer Requests Bill Passed - House (78 - 21)
Feb. 7, 2020 KS SCR 1613 Establishes a State Constitutional Amendment Specifying that Abortion Shall Not Be Constitutionally Protected Bill Failed - House (80 - 43)
Feb. 7, 2020 VA HB 1103 Authorizes Ranked Choice Voting Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
Feb. 6, 2020 VA HB 220 Requires Prepaid Postage on All Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
Feb. 6, 2020 VA HB 108 Establishes Election Day as a State Holiday Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
Feb. 5, 2020 National H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (47 - 53)
Feb. 5, 2020 National H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (47 - 53)
Feb. 5, 2020 National H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (48 - 52)
Feb. 5, 2020 National H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (48 - 52)
Feb. 4, 2020 VA SB 65 Repeals State Photo Identification Voter ID Laws Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19)
Feb. 4, 2020 KY SB 1 Prohibits "Sanctuary" Immigration Policies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Jan. 31, 2020 National S Amdt 1298 Requires the US Chief Justice to rule on motions to subpoena witnesses and documents and issues of privilege Amendment Tabled - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 31, 2020 National S Amdt 1298 Requires the US Chief Justice to rule on motions to subpoena witnesses and documents and issues of privilege Amendment Tabled - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 31, 2020 National S Res 488 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
Jan. 31, 2020 National S Res 488 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
Jan. 31, 2020 KY HB 168 Requires Legislative Ethics Commission to Review Sexual Harassment Complaints Bill Passed - House (85 - 0)
Jan. 29, 2020 KS SCR 1613 Establishes a State Constitutional Amendment Specifying that Abortion Shall Not Be Constitutionally Protected Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
Jan. 29, 2020 FL SB 172 Prohibits Local Governments from Prohibiting Certain Drugs and Cosmetics Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
Jan. 27, 2020 VA HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Jan. 27, 2020 VA HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Jan. 23, 2020 KY SB 2 Amends Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Jan. 22, 2020 National S Res 483 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 22, 2020 National S Res 483 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 21, 2020 ME LD 517 Authorizes Placing a Candidate's "Nickname" on a Ballot Veto Override Failed - House (83 - 57)
Jan. 21, 2020 VA SB 601 Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Jan. 21, 2020 VA SB 601 Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Jan. 16, 2020 DE HB 73 Amends the Delaware Constitution to Authorize the General Assembly to Pass Laws On Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
Jan. 16, 2020 DE HB 73 Amends the Delaware Constitution to Authorize the General Assembly to Pass Laws On Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
Jan. 16, 2020 DE HB 73 Amends the Delaware Constitution to Authorize the General Assembly to Pass Laws On Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
Jan. 16, 2020 VA SB 35 Authorizes Localities to Prohibit Guns at Public Events Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Jan. 15, 2020 VA SJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
Jan. 15, 2020 VA SJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
Jan. 15, 2020 WV HB 3039 Increases Court Discretion When Determining Child Custody Bill Passed - House (87 - 11)
Jan. 15, 2020 VA HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - House (59 - 41)
Jan. 15, 2020 VA HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - House (59 - 41)
Jan. 14, 2020 IN HB 1027 Repeals Township Assessor Offices Bill Passed - House (53 - 44)
Jan. 14, 2020 IN HB 1027 Repeals Township Assessor Offices Bill Passed - House (53 - 44)
Jan. 13, 2020 NJ S 589 Amends Online Voter Registration Rules Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
Jan. 9, 2020 NH HB 102 Authorizes Municipalities to Regulate Single-Use Bags "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (215 - 151)
Jan. 8, 2020 NH HB 506 Authorizes Employees Time to Vote Bill Passed - House (186 - 173)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/03 HB 3967 Prohibits State Contracts with Companies that Boycott Israel Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
3/03 SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
3/03 HB 2128 Increases Number of Voting Centers Per County Bill Passed - House (43 - 6)
3/02 HB 1210 Requires Voting and Election Materials in Languages Other Than English Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 38)
3/02 SB 1059 Establishes a Ballot Referendum to Raise $900 Million Per Year for State K-12 Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/02 HJR 741 Prohibits the Governor from Solely Taking Action to Assist with the Federal Refugee Resettlement Program Bill Passed - House (71 - 25)
3/02 HJR 741 Prohibits the Governor from Solely Taking Action to Assist with the Federal Refugee Resettlement Program Bill Passed - House (71 - 25)
2/28 HB 1210 Requires Voting and Election Materials in Languages Other Than English Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
2/27 SB 9 Authorizes Local Governments to Prohibit Smoking on Playgrounds Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 14)
2/27 SB 62 Authorizes the Restoration of Voting Rights 5 Years After Completion of Sentence for Certain Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
2/27 HB 2771 Amends State Income Tax Code to Conform with Federal Tax Law Bill Passed - House (44 - 16)
2/27 HF 2502 Amends Gun Policies Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
2/27 HB 118 Establishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act Bill Passed - House (49 - 9)
2/26 HB 1 Authorizes Absentee Voting Without Needing Excuse Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 34)
2/26 SB 35 Authorizes Localities to Prohibit Guns at Public Events Bill Passed - House (53 - 46)
2/26 SB 686 Prohibits Disciplinary Action Against State Employees for Communicating with Legislative Branch Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
2/26 SB 686 Prohibits Disciplinary Action Against State Employees for Communicating with Legislative Branch Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
2/25 SB 106 Establishes Daylight Savings Time as the Official Time Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
2/25 SJR 9 Amends the Constitution to Authorize the State Legislature to Establish Certain Tax Exemptions Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 16)
2/24 HB 1 Authorizes Absentee Voting Without Needing Excuse Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/24 SB 601 Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
2/24 SB 601 Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
2/13 HB 2686 Amends Local Government Utility Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
2/13 SJR 2001 Amends the State Constitution to Repeal the Right to Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
2/13 SB 1089 Amends Regulations for Public Records Requests Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
2/13 SB 1434 Establishes Regulations for Recall Elections Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
2/13 HB 1992 Authorizes Local Governments Pay for Portion of Operating Costs with Property Tax Revenue Bill Passed - House (76 - 20)
2/12 HB 2686 Amends Local Government Utility Regulations Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
2/12 HB 83 Requires the Establishment of Regulations for Voting by Electronic Transmission Bill Passed - House (28 - 11)
2/11 HB 177 Requires Virginia to Elect the President by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (51 - 46)
2/11 HB 147 Prohibits City Occupational Taxes Without Permission of State Legislature Bill Passed - House (74 - 27)
2/10 SB 275 Establishes an Intermediate Court of Appeals Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
2/10 SB 275 Establishes an Intermediate Court of Appeals Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
2/10 SJR 38 Amends Provisions Regulating the Legislature to Limit the Influence of Partisan Interests Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
2/10 SJR 38 Amends Provisions Regulating the Legislature to Limit the Influence of Partisan Interests Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
2/10 HB 3195 Requires County Jails Comply with ICE Detainer Requests Bill Passed - House (78 - 21)
2/07 SCR 1613 Establishes a State Constitutional Amendment Specifying that Abortion Shall Not Be Constitutionally Protected Bill Failed - House (80 - 43)
2/07 HB 1103 Authorizes Ranked Choice Voting Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
2/06 HB 220 Requires Prepaid Postage on All Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
2/06 HB 108 Establishes Election Day as a State Holiday Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
2/05 H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (47 - 53)
2/05 H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (47 - 53)
2/05 H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (48 - 52)
2/05 H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (48 - 52)
2/04 SB 65 Repeals State Photo Identification Voter ID Laws Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19)
2/04 SB 1 Prohibits "Sanctuary" Immigration Policies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
1/31 S Amdt 1298 Requires the US Chief Justice to rule on motions to subpoena witnesses and documents and issues of privilege Amendment Tabled - Senate (53 - 47)
1/31 S Amdt 1298 Requires the US Chief Justice to rule on motions to subpoena witnesses and documents and issues of privilege Amendment Tabled - Senate (53 - 47)
1/31 S Res 488 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
1/31 S Res 488 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
1/31 HB 168 Requires Legislative Ethics Commission to Review Sexual Harassment Complaints Bill Passed - House (85 - 0)
1/29 SCR 1613 Establishes a State Constitutional Amendment Specifying that Abortion Shall Not Be Constitutionally Protected Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
1/29 SB 172 Prohibits Local Governments from Prohibiting Certain Drugs and Cosmetics Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
1/27 HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
1/27 HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
1/23 SB 2 Amends Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
1/22 S Res 483 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 47)
1/22 S Res 483 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 47)
1/21 LD 517 Authorizes Placing a Candidate's "Nickname" on a Ballot Veto Override Failed - House (83 - 57)
1/21 SB 601 Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
1/21 SB 601 Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
1/16 HB 73 Amends the Delaware Constitution to Authorize the General Assembly to Pass Laws On Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
1/16 HB 73 Amends the Delaware Constitution to Authorize the General Assembly to Pass Laws On Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
1/16 HB 73 Amends the Delaware Constitution to Authorize the General Assembly to Pass Laws On Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
1/16 SB 35 Authorizes Localities to Prohibit Guns at Public Events Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/15 SJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
1/15 SJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
1/15 HB 3039 Increases Court Discretion When Determining Child Custody Bill Passed - House (87 - 11)
1/15 HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - House (59 - 41)
1/15 HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - House (59 - 41)
1/14 HB 1027 Repeals Township Assessor Offices Bill Passed - House (53 - 44)
1/14 HB 1027 Repeals Township Assessor Offices Bill Passed - House (53 - 44)
1/13 S 589 Amends Online Voter Registration Rules Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
1/09 HB 102 Authorizes Municipalities to Regulate Single-Use Bags "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (215 - 151)
1/08 HB 506 Authorizes Employees Time to Vote Bill Passed - House (186 - 173)

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