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
April 6, 2023 MD SB 379 Expands Absentee Ballot Deadline Bill Passed - House (99 - 36)
April 6, 2023 MD HB 2 Authorizes Subtraction Modification on State Income Tax for Certain Union Dues Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
April 6, 2023 TN HR 63 Requires Rep. Justin Pearson be Expelled from the State House of Representatives Resolution Passed - House (69 - 25)
April 6, 2023 TN HR 64 Requires Rep. Gloria Johnson be Expelled from the State House of Representatives Resolution Failed - House (65 - 29)
April 6, 2023 DE SB 57 Requires States Electoral College Delegates go to the Winner of the Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 3)
April 6, 2023 TN HR 65 Requires Rep. Justin Jones be Expelled from the State House of Representatives Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23)
April 5, 2023 AZ SB 1021 Requires the Arizona Attorney General Defend the Constitutionality of Any Bill Signed into Law Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
April 5, 2023 AZ HB 2552 Prohibits Ranked Choice Voting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
April 5, 2023 ND HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
April 4, 2023 KS HB 2053 Appropriates Resources to Provide for a Presidential Preference Primary Election in 2024 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 32)
April 4, 2023 AZ HB 2308 Requires the Secretary of State Recuse Themselves from Overseeing Elections in Which they are a Candidate Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
April 4, 2023 AZ HB 2322 Amends and Codifies Outdated Signature Verification Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
April 4, 2023 AZ HB 2415 Authorizes the Removal of Voters from Arizona's Permanent Mail-In Voting List Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 30, 2023 ID H 286 Amends Laws Requiring Certain Information when Communicating with Voters Regarding a Bond or Levy Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 9)
March 30, 2023 NJ S 2866 Establishes the Elections Transparency Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
March 30, 2023 AR HB 1407 Establishes the Voter Registration and Secure Voter Records Act of 2023 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 0)
March 30, 2023 NJ S 2866 Establishes the Elections Transparency Act Bill Passed - House (45 - 31)
March 30, 2023 MD SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - House (98 - 38)
March 30, 2023 KY SB 268 Authorizes Restitution for Minors Whose Parents are Killed or Disabled by an Intoxicated Driver Bill Passed - House (84 - 12)
March 30, 2023 MD SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - House (98 - 38)
March 30, 2023 VT S 100 Expands Affordable Housing Access Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
March 30, 2023 VT S 42 Requires State Pension Funds Divest from the Fossil Fuel Industry Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
March 30, 2023 VT S 17 Establishes Reforms for Sheriffs and Deputies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
March 30, 2023 VT S 17 Establishes Reforms for Sheriffs and Deputies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
March 29, 2023 GA SB 222 Requires All Election Expenses be Paid for with State Public Funds Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
March 29, 2023 GA SB 133 Requires Juvenile Judges Take "Additional Steps" Before Ordering Children Into Foster Care Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
March 29, 2023 GA SB 133 Requires Juvenile Judges Take "Additional Steps" Before Ordering Children Into Foster Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 69)
March 29, 2023 KS HB 2053 Appropriates Resources to Provide for a Presidential Preference Primary Election in 2024 Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
March 29, 2023 ID H 286 Amends Laws Requiring Certain Information when Communicating with Voters Regarding a Bond or Levy Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
March 29, 2023 AZ HB 2477 Specifies the Importance of the Electoral College to United States Elections Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 29, 2023 National H J Res 27 Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States' " Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (53 - 43)
March 29, 2023 GA HB 514 Limits Local Government Ability to Stop New Residential Building Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 12)
March 29, 2023 ND SB 2291 Requires a Study on Utilization of the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program Bill Passed - House (81 - 9)
March 29, 2023 VT S 32 Authorizes Ranked Choice Voting for the 2028 Presidential Primary Election Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
March 28, 2023 MS HB 1310 Authorizes Restoring the Voting Rights of Military Veterans Convicted of Felonies Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 42)
March 28, 2023 MS HB 1310 Authorizes Restoring the Voting Rights of Military Veterans Convicted of Felonies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 16)
March 28, 2023 KS SB 291 Prohibits State Investment of Public Funds for ESG Investments Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
March 27, 2023 GA SB 129 Requires Employees Get Time Off to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (46 - 3)
March 27, 2023 GA SB 222 Requires All Election Expenses be Paid for with State Public Funds Bill Passed - House (100 - 69)
March 24, 2023 FL HB 3 Prohibits Usage of State Retirement and Public Funds From Being Invested in ESG Securities Bill Passed - House (80 - 31)
March 23, 2023 GA SB 129 Requires Employees Get Time Off to Vote Bill Passed - House (161 - 9)
March 23, 2023 ID H 138 Amends Date of the State Presidential Primary from March to May Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
March 23, 2023 NH CACR 2 Establishes Protections Over Reproductive Health Choices in the State Constitution "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - House (193 - 191)
March 22, 2023 WI SJR 21 Authorizes a Special Election to Fill Secretary of State Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 35)
March 22, 2023 WI SJR 21 Authorizes a Special Election to Fill Secretary of State Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 35)
March 22, 2023 WI SJR 21 Authorizes a Special Election to Fill Secretary of State Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 22, 2023 WI SJR 21 Authorizes a Special Election to Fill Secretary of State Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 22, 2023 OR SB 166 Classifies Harassment Against an Election Worker as Aggravated Harassment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
March 21, 2023 GA HB 408 Amends Sales and Use Tax Laws for Competitive Projects of Regional Significance Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 22)
March 21, 2023 IL HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
March 21, 2023 AZ SB 1135 Authorizes the State to Exit the Electronic Registration Information Center Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 20, 2023 NY S 1353 Exempts Certain Income and Resources in Determining Eligibility for Public Assistance Benefits Bill Passed - House (97 - 50)
March 17, 2023 MD SB 859 Prohibits Requiring an Individual Give Testimony or Statements in Another State Regarding Their "Legally Protected Healthcare" Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11)
March 16, 2023 NY S 1327 Amends Various Voter Registration Laws and Deadlines Bill Passed - House (97 - 47)
March 16, 2023 WA HB 1756 Amends Tax Rules Concerning Clean Energies and Increased Revenue to Local Governments, Schools, and Communities Bill Passed - House (81 - 12)
March 15, 2023 MS HB 1306 Amends the Mississippi Election Code and Protects Against Fraudulent Voters Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 38)
March 15, 2023 IA SF 514 Restructures Iowa State Government Cabinet Positions Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
March 15, 2023 KY HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
March 15, 2023 IA SF 514 Restructures Iowa State Government Cabinet Positions Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
March 14, 2023 MS SB 2358 Prohibits a Third-Party From Collecting and Delivering Somebody Else's Absentee Ballot Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
March 14, 2023 NM SB 180 Amends Various State Election Laws Bill Passed - House (44 - 25)
March 14, 2023 TX SB 2 Classifies Illegal Voting as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
March 14, 2023 TX SB 2 Classifies Illegal Voting as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
March 14, 2023 MD SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 14, 2023 MD SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 14, 2023 ID H 286 Amends Laws Requiring Certain Information when Communicating with Voters Regarding a Bond or Levy Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
March 13, 2023 KY HB 236 Requires Public Pension Investments be based on Financial Risks and Returns not ESG Factors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
March 13, 2023 TN SB 955 Prohibits State Investment of Public Funds for ESG Investments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
March 11, 2023 WV HB 3354 Authorizes Municipalities to Combine Operations with Other Municipalities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 54)
March 11, 2023 WV HB 3354 Authorizes Municipalities to Combine Operations with Other Municipalities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 54)
March 11, 2023 WV SB 740 Increases Lawmakers Compensation to Equal 75% of the Per Capita Income in West Virginia Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
March 10, 2023 WV SB 740 Increases Lawmakers Compensation to Equal 75% of the Per Capita Income in West Virginia Bill Passed - House (54 - 43)
March 10, 2023 WV SB 508 Specifies Reporting and Disclosure Requirements forGrassroots Lobbying Expenditures, Bill Passed - House (49 - 41)
March 9, 2023 ID H 124 Prohibits Using Student ID at Voting Polls Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
March 9, 2023 TN HB 48 Reduces the Number of Nashville Metro City Council Members by Half Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/06 SB 379 Expands Absentee Ballot Deadline Bill Passed - House (99 - 36)
4/06 HB 2 Authorizes Subtraction Modification on State Income Tax for Certain Union Dues Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
4/06 HR 63 Requires Rep. Justin Pearson be Expelled from the State House of Representatives Resolution Passed - House (69 - 25)
4/06 HR 64 Requires Rep. Gloria Johnson be Expelled from the State House of Representatives Resolution Failed - House (65 - 29)
4/06 SB 57 Requires States Electoral College Delegates go to the Winner of the Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 3)
4/06 HR 65 Requires Rep. Justin Jones be Expelled from the State House of Representatives Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23)
4/05 SB 1021 Requires the Arizona Attorney General Defend the Constitutionality of Any Bill Signed into Law Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
4/05 HB 2552 Prohibits Ranked Choice Voting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
4/05 HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
4/04 HB 2053 Appropriates Resources to Provide for a Presidential Preference Primary Election in 2024 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 32)
4/04 HB 2308 Requires the Secretary of State Recuse Themselves from Overseeing Elections in Which they are a Candidate Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
4/04 HB 2322 Amends and Codifies Outdated Signature Verification Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
4/04 HB 2415 Authorizes the Removal of Voters from Arizona's Permanent Mail-In Voting List Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/30 H 286 Amends Laws Requiring Certain Information when Communicating with Voters Regarding a Bond or Levy Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 9)
3/30 S 2866 Establishes the Elections Transparency Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
3/30 HB 1407 Establishes the Voter Registration and Secure Voter Records Act of 2023 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 0)
3/30 S 2866 Establishes the Elections Transparency Act Bill Passed - House (45 - 31)
3/30 SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - House (98 - 38)
3/30 SB 268 Authorizes Restitution for Minors Whose Parents are Killed or Disabled by an Intoxicated Driver Bill Passed - House (84 - 12)
3/30 SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - House (98 - 38)
3/30 S 100 Expands Affordable Housing Access Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
3/30 S 42 Requires State Pension Funds Divest from the Fossil Fuel Industry Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
3/30 S 17 Establishes Reforms for Sheriffs and Deputies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
3/30 S 17 Establishes Reforms for Sheriffs and Deputies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
3/29 SB 222 Requires All Election Expenses be Paid for with State Public Funds Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
3/29 SB 133 Requires Juvenile Judges Take "Additional Steps" Before Ordering Children Into Foster Care Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
3/29 SB 133 Requires Juvenile Judges Take "Additional Steps" Before Ordering Children Into Foster Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 69)
3/29 HB 2053 Appropriates Resources to Provide for a Presidential Preference Primary Election in 2024 Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
3/29 H 286 Amends Laws Requiring Certain Information when Communicating with Voters Regarding a Bond or Levy Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
3/29 HB 2477 Specifies the Importance of the Electoral College to United States Elections Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/29 H J Res 27 Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States' " Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (53 - 43)
3/29 HB 514 Limits Local Government Ability to Stop New Residential Building Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 12)
3/29 SB 2291 Requires a Study on Utilization of the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program Bill Passed - House (81 - 9)
3/29 S 32 Authorizes Ranked Choice Voting for the 2028 Presidential Primary Election Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
3/28 HB 1310 Authorizes Restoring the Voting Rights of Military Veterans Convicted of Felonies Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 42)
3/28 HB 1310 Authorizes Restoring the Voting Rights of Military Veterans Convicted of Felonies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 16)
3/28 SB 291 Prohibits State Investment of Public Funds for ESG Investments Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
3/27 SB 129 Requires Employees Get Time Off to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (46 - 3)
3/27 SB 222 Requires All Election Expenses be Paid for with State Public Funds Bill Passed - House (100 - 69)
3/24 HB 3 Prohibits Usage of State Retirement and Public Funds From Being Invested in ESG Securities Bill Passed - House (80 - 31)
3/23 SB 129 Requires Employees Get Time Off to Vote Bill Passed - House (161 - 9)
3/23 H 138 Amends Date of the State Presidential Primary from March to May Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
3/23 CACR 2 Establishes Protections Over Reproductive Health Choices in the State Constitution "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - House (193 - 191)
3/22 SJR 21 Authorizes a Special Election to Fill Secretary of State Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 35)
3/22 SJR 21 Authorizes a Special Election to Fill Secretary of State Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 35)
3/22 SJR 21 Authorizes a Special Election to Fill Secretary of State Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/22 SJR 21 Authorizes a Special Election to Fill Secretary of State Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/22 SB 166 Classifies Harassment Against an Election Worker as Aggravated Harassment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
3/21 HB 408 Amends Sales and Use Tax Laws for Competitive Projects of Regional Significance Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 22)
3/21 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
3/21 SB 1135 Authorizes the State to Exit the Electronic Registration Information Center Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/20 S 1353 Exempts Certain Income and Resources in Determining Eligibility for Public Assistance Benefits Bill Passed - House (97 - 50)
3/17 SB 859 Prohibits Requiring an Individual Give Testimony or Statements in Another State Regarding Their "Legally Protected Healthcare" Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11)
3/16 S 1327 Amends Various Voter Registration Laws and Deadlines Bill Passed - House (97 - 47)
3/16 HB 1756 Amends Tax Rules Concerning Clean Energies and Increased Revenue to Local Governments, Schools, and Communities Bill Passed - House (81 - 12)
3/15 HB 1306 Amends the Mississippi Election Code and Protects Against Fraudulent Voters Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 38)
3/15 SF 514 Restructures Iowa State Government Cabinet Positions Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
3/15 HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
3/15 SF 514 Restructures Iowa State Government Cabinet Positions Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
3/14 SB 2358 Prohibits a Third-Party From Collecting and Delivering Somebody Else's Absentee Ballot Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
3/14 SB 180 Amends Various State Election Laws Bill Passed - House (44 - 25)
3/14 SB 2 Classifies Illegal Voting as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
3/14 SB 2 Classifies Illegal Voting as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
3/14 SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/14 SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/14 H 286 Amends Laws Requiring Certain Information when Communicating with Voters Regarding a Bond or Levy Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
3/13 HB 236 Requires Public Pension Investments be based on Financial Risks and Returns not ESG Factors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
3/13 SB 955 Prohibits State Investment of Public Funds for ESG Investments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
3/11 HB 3354 Authorizes Municipalities to Combine Operations with Other Municipalities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 54)
3/11 HB 3354 Authorizes Municipalities to Combine Operations with Other Municipalities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 54)
3/11 SB 740 Increases Lawmakers Compensation to Equal 75% of the Per Capita Income in West Virginia Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
3/10 SB 740 Increases Lawmakers Compensation to Equal 75% of the Per Capita Income in West Virginia Bill Passed - House (54 - 43)
3/10 SB 508 Specifies Reporting and Disclosure Requirements forGrassroots Lobbying Expenditures, Bill Passed - House (49 - 41)
3/09 H 124 Prohibits Using Student ID at Voting Polls Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
3/09 HB 48 Reduces the Number of Nashville Metro City Council Members by Half Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)

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