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 5, 2021 PA HR 91 Establishes a Task Force to Review the Failure to Advertise a Proposed Constitutional Amendment Resolution Passed - House (111 - 90)
May 4, 2021 OK HB 2564 Amends the Election Recount Process to Require Recounts on Statewide Issues or Question Elections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 18)
May 4, 2021 PA HB 139 Establishes New Rules for Permit Programs for Annual Reports Bill Passed - House (113 - 88)
May 4, 2021 PA HB 950 Extends Greater Authority to the General Assembly Over Regulatory Repeals Bill Passed - House (109 - 92)
May 4, 2021 LA HB 20 Prohibits the Use of Private Funds to Pay Election-Related Expenses Bill Passed - House (69 - 35)
May 4, 2021 PA HB 72 Establishes a Review Process for Major Regulations Bill Passed - House (108 - 93)
May 4, 2021 PA HB 288 Authorizes an Agency's Regulatory Compliance Officer to Create Guidelines for Waiving Fines or Penalties Bill Passed - House (106 - 95)
May 4, 2021 LA HB 378 Establishes a Felon Can Register to Vote if the Person has Not Been Incarcerated Within the Last 5 Years Bill Passed - House (83 - 17)
May 3, 2021 TN SB 1335 Classifies Tennessee as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary State" Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
May 3, 2021 TN SB 1335 Classifies Tennessee as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary State" Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
May 3, 2021 CO HB 21-1114 Requires a Local Government to Obtain Voter Approval Before Providing Internet Access Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
May 3, 2021 CO HB 21-1114 Requires a Local Government to Obtain Voter Approval Before Providing Internet Access Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
May 3, 2021 MN SF 173 Requires Voters to Present ID Before Casting a Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 32)
April 29, 2021 FL SB 90 Establishes Restrictions on Vote-By-Mail and Drop Boxes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 40)
April 29, 2021 FL SB 7072 Prohibits Social Media Companies from "Deplatforming" Political Candidates Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 38)
April 29, 2021 FL SB 7072 Prohibits Social Media Companies from "Deplatforming" Political Candidates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
April 29, 2021 FL SB 90 Establishes Restrictions on Vote-By-Mail and Drop Boxes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
April 29, 2021 OR SB 554 Authorizes Local Governments and School Districts to Prohibit Guns on Capital and State Property Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
April 29, 2021 LA HB 349 Prohibits Mandating Vaccination Verification or Immunity Status for Transactions or for Special Identification Cards Bill Passed - House (71 - 18)
April 29, 2021 NE LB 320 Establishes District and County Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Complaints of Forcible Entry Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
April 29, 2021 DE HB 155 Establishes New Legal Definitions for Gender, Disability, etc. Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
April 28, 2021 AZ SB 1530 Requires Early Ballot Envelope Marking Requirements Bill Passed - House (47 - 13)
April 28, 2021 FL HB 53 Requires State and Local Governments to Accept Certain Public Works Bids Bill Passed - House (79 - 34)
April 28, 2021 FL HB 53 Requires State and Local Governments to Accept Certain Public Works Bids Bill Passed - House (79 - 34)
April 28, 2021 AK HB 76 Extends the Governor's Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
April 28, 2021 MO HB 271 Limits the Authority of Local Health Officials to Close Organizations During a Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
April 28, 2021 NV AB 121 Requires the Secretary of State Establish an Electronic Transmission System for Disabled Voters to Register to Vote Bill Passed - House (32 - 10)
April 28, 2021 TX SB 1111 Requires Voters Register Their Physical Address Instead of a P.O. Box When Registering to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
April 27, 2021 MT HB 506 Amends Absentee Ballot Eligibility Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 20)
April 27, 2021 MT HB 506 Amends Absentee Ballot Eligibility Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (64 - 34)
April 27, 2021 MT HB 530 Establishes Restrictions on Providing Assistance in Returning a Voter's Mail Ballot Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 34)
April 27, 2021 MT HB 651 Requires Ballot Initiatives Include a Warning Label on the Impact to Local Business Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 33)
April 27, 2021 AL HB 538 Limits the Time Frame for Receiving Absentee Ballot Applications Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 12)
April 27, 2021 FL HB 53 Requires State and Local Governments to Accept Certain Public Works Bids (24 - 16)
April 27, 2021 FL HB 53 Requires State and Local Governments to Accept Certain Public Works Bids (24 - 16)
April 27, 2021 AR SB 627 Prohibits Certain Teachings Regarding Race and Sex Bill Passed - House (72 - 19)
April 27, 2021 FL HB 735 Prohibits Local Governments from Requiring a License for a Contractor or Journeyman Type Job Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
April 27, 2021 FL SJR 204 Authorizes Referendum as to Abolishment of Constitution Revision Commission Bill Passed - House (86 - 28)
April 27, 2021 NC SB 360 Prohibits Any State Agency from Settling Certain Lawsuits Without the Approval of the General Assembly Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
April 26, 2021 AR SB 298 Classifies Federal Gun Restrictions as Invalid Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
April 26, 2021 MT HB 530 Establishes Restrictions on Providing Assistance in Returning a Voter's Mail Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
April 22, 2021 MT HB 651 Requires Ballot Initiatives Include a Warning Label on the Impact to Local Business Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
April 22, 2021 AL HB 538 Limits the Time Frame for Receiving Absentee Ballot Applications Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
April 22, 2021 OK HB 2663 Authorizes Early In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 2)
April 22, 2021 AL HB 154 Requires Municipal Candidates to File Campaign Finance Reports Electronically Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
April 22, 2021 AL HB 388 Requires General Election Laws be Implemented 6 Months Before a General Election Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 4)
April 22, 2021 AR SB 627 Prohibits Certain Teachings Regarding Race and Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
April 22, 2021 AR SB 701 Establishes a Uniform Process for Opening and Validating all Absentee Ballots Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 20)
April 22, 2021 National HR 51 Washington, D.C. Admission Act Bill Passed - House (216 - 208)
April 22, 2021 IL HB 642 Establishes Term Limits on Leadership Positions in the General Assembly Bill Passed - House (115 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/05 HR 91 Establishes a Task Force to Review the Failure to Advertise a Proposed Constitutional Amendment Resolution Passed - House (111 - 90)
5/04 HB 2564 Amends the Election Recount Process to Require Recounts on Statewide Issues or Question Elections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 18)
5/04 HB 139 Establishes New Rules for Permit Programs for Annual Reports Bill Passed - House (113 - 88)
5/04 HB 950 Extends Greater Authority to the General Assembly Over Regulatory Repeals Bill Passed - House (109 - 92)
5/04 HB 20 Prohibits the Use of Private Funds to Pay Election-Related Expenses Bill Passed - House (69 - 35)
5/04 HB 72 Establishes a Review Process for Major Regulations Bill Passed - House (108 - 93)
5/04 HB 288 Authorizes an Agency's Regulatory Compliance Officer to Create Guidelines for Waiving Fines or Penalties Bill Passed - House (106 - 95)
5/04 HB 378 Establishes a Felon Can Register to Vote if the Person has Not Been Incarcerated Within the Last 5 Years Bill Passed - House (83 - 17)
5/03 SB 1335 Classifies Tennessee as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary State" Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
5/03 SB 1335 Classifies Tennessee as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary State" Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
5/03 HB 21-1114 Requires a Local Government to Obtain Voter Approval Before Providing Internet Access Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
5/03 HB 21-1114 Requires a Local Government to Obtain Voter Approval Before Providing Internet Access Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
5/03 SF 173 Requires Voters to Present ID Before Casting a Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 32)
4/29 SB 90 Establishes Restrictions on Vote-By-Mail and Drop Boxes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 40)
4/29 SB 7072 Prohibits Social Media Companies from "Deplatforming" Political Candidates Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 38)
4/29 SB 7072 Prohibits Social Media Companies from "Deplatforming" Political Candidates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
4/29 SB 90 Establishes Restrictions on Vote-By-Mail and Drop Boxes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
4/29 SB 554 Authorizes Local Governments and School Districts to Prohibit Guns on Capital and State Property Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
4/29 HB 349 Prohibits Mandating Vaccination Verification or Immunity Status for Transactions or for Special Identification Cards Bill Passed - House (71 - 18)
4/29 LB 320 Establishes District and County Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Complaints of Forcible Entry Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
4/29 HB 155 Establishes New Legal Definitions for Gender, Disability, etc. Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
4/28 SB 1530 Requires Early Ballot Envelope Marking Requirements Bill Passed - House (47 - 13)
4/28 HB 53 Requires State and Local Governments to Accept Certain Public Works Bids Bill Passed - House (79 - 34)
4/28 HB 53 Requires State and Local Governments to Accept Certain Public Works Bids Bill Passed - House (79 - 34)
4/28 HB 76 Extends the Governor's Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
4/28 HB 271 Limits the Authority of Local Health Officials to Close Organizations During a Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
4/28 AB 121 Requires the Secretary of State Establish an Electronic Transmission System for Disabled Voters to Register to Vote Bill Passed - House (32 - 10)
4/28 SB 1111 Requires Voters Register Their Physical Address Instead of a P.O. Box When Registering to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
4/27 HB 506 Amends Absentee Ballot Eligibility Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 20)
4/27 HB 506 Amends Absentee Ballot Eligibility Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (64 - 34)
4/27 HB 530 Establishes Restrictions on Providing Assistance in Returning a Voter's Mail Ballot Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 34)
4/27 HB 651 Requires Ballot Initiatives Include a Warning Label on the Impact to Local Business Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 33)
4/27 HB 538 Limits the Time Frame for Receiving Absentee Ballot Applications Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 12)
4/27 HB 53 Requires State and Local Governments to Accept Certain Public Works Bids (24 - 16)
4/27 HB 53 Requires State and Local Governments to Accept Certain Public Works Bids (24 - 16)
4/27 SB 627 Prohibits Certain Teachings Regarding Race and Sex Bill Passed - House (72 - 19)
4/27 HB 735 Prohibits Local Governments from Requiring a License for a Contractor or Journeyman Type Job Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
4/27 SJR 204 Authorizes Referendum as to Abolishment of Constitution Revision Commission Bill Passed - House (86 - 28)
4/27 SB 360 Prohibits Any State Agency from Settling Certain Lawsuits Without the Approval of the General Assembly Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
4/26 SB 298 Classifies Federal Gun Restrictions as Invalid Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
4/26 HB 530 Establishes Restrictions on Providing Assistance in Returning a Voter's Mail Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
4/22 HB 651 Requires Ballot Initiatives Include a Warning Label on the Impact to Local Business Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
4/22 HB 538 Limits the Time Frame for Receiving Absentee Ballot Applications Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
4/22 HB 2663 Authorizes Early In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 2)
4/22 HB 154 Requires Municipal Candidates to File Campaign Finance Reports Electronically Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
4/22 HB 388 Requires General Election Laws be Implemented 6 Months Before a General Election Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 4)
4/22 SB 627 Prohibits Certain Teachings Regarding Race and Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
4/22 SB 701 Establishes a Uniform Process for Opening and Validating all Absentee Ballots Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 20)
4/22 HR 51 Washington, D.C. Admission Act Bill Passed - House (216 - 208)
4/22 HB 642 Establishes Term Limits on Leadership Positions in the General Assembly Bill Passed - House (115 - 0)

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