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
March 9, 2023 NH HB 281 Amends State Energy and Utility Policies "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (184 - 168)
March 9, 2023 National HR 140 Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act Bill Passed - House (219 - 206)
March 9, 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 - House (227 - 198)
March 8, 2023 National H J Res 26 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (81 - 14)
March 8, 2023 NM HB 4 Expands Various Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
March 8, 2023 SC H 3014 Authorizes Additional Penalties for Perpetrators of Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (84 - 31)
March 8, 2023 OK HB 1415 Establishes a Committee to Oversee Election Operations Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
March 8, 2023 OK HB 1415 Establishes a Committee to Oversee Election Operations Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
March 8, 2023 WA HB 1241 Establishes Harassing Election Workers as a Felony Crime Bill Passed - House (90 - 7)
March 8, 2023 NC HB 151 Authorizes a Joint Resolution Establishing Term Limits for Congress Joint Resolution Passed - House (69 - 48)
March 8, 2023 CO HB 23-1185 Establishes Limitations on Candidates Who Can Replace Recalled Elected Officials (48 - 14)
March 7, 2023 MS SB 2358 Prohibits a Third-Party From Collecting and Delivering Somebody Else's Absentee Ballot Bill Passed - House (73 - 44)
March 7, 2023 MS HB 1020 Establishes a Court System of Unelected Judges and Prosecutors for the City of Jackson, Mississippi Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
March 7, 2023 NM HB 7 Establishes State Protections for Gender Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
March 7, 2023 IA SF 514 Restructures Iowa State Government Cabinet Positions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
March 7, 2023 AZ SB 1597 Requires On-Site Tabulation of All Election Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 7, 2023 AZ HB 2613 Requires 100% of a Voting Machine be Manufactured in the United States Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
March 7, 2023 RI H 5305 Specifies that Public Elementary and Secondary Schools will be Closed on Election Day Bill Passed - House (71 - 0)
March 7, 2023 IA SF 478 Increases Restrictions on Information the State Auditor's Office can Obtain During Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
March 7, 2023 IA SF 514 Restructures Iowa State Government Cabinet Positions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
March 6, 2023 SD SB 160 Requires Ballots be Audited Within 15 Days Following a Primary or General Election Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
March 6, 2023 SD HB 1094 Reduces Tax Rates on Food and Repeals Conditional Reduction of Certain Gross Receipts Tax Rates Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
March 6, 2023 AR HB 1419 Increases Number of Counties Where a Minimum Number of Signatures Must be Submitted from 15 to 50 Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 6, 2023 SD SB 70 Amends Courtroom Provisions and Requirements for Minor Witnesses Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
March 6, 2023 SD SB 207 Establishes Penalties for Appropriating Public Funds to Influence an Election Result Bill Passed - House (62 - 6)
March 6, 2023 GA HB 514 Limits Local Government Ability to Stop New Residential Building Bill Passed - House (127 - 43)
March 6, 2023 GA HB 30 Defines "Antisemitism" into State Law Bill Passed - House (136 - 22)
March 6, 2023 TN HB 48 Reduces the Number of Nashville Metro City Council Members by Half Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
March 6, 2023 ID S 1056 Repeals State Law that Prohibits Local Groups from Carrying Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
March 2, 2023 SD SB 139 Establishes a 30-Day State Residency Requirement to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
March 2, 2023 WV HB 3307 Establishing the West Virginia-Ireland Trade Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (87 - 10)
March 2, 2023 UT HB 347 Prohibits Tampering With Ballot Boxes Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
March 2, 2023 MT SB 420 Requires City Official Elections be Held in Even Numbered Years Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
March 2, 2023 AZ HB 2078 Authorizes a State Audit Process of Election Results Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
March 2, 2023 KY HB 236 Requires Public Pension Investments be based on Financial Risks and Returns not ESG Factors Bill Passed - House (77 - 14)
March 2, 2023 MT SB 208 Prohibits Local Governments from Banning or Limiting Energy Choices Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
March 2, 2023 VT H 429 Authorizes Several Changes to Vermont Election Laws Bill Failed - House (59 - 78)
March 2, 2023 VT H 429 Authorizes Several Changes to Vermont Election Laws Bill Failed - House (59 - 78)
March 2, 2023 GA SB 222 Requires All Election Expenses be Paid for with State Public Funds Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 23)
March 2, 2023 AZ SB 1264 Prohibits Election Officials or Workers from Being in Political Action Committees Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 2, 2023 MT HB 693 Prohibits State Agencies from Denying Individual Records Request Due To Ongoing Litigation Bill Passed - House (94 - 4)
March 1, 2023 MI HB 4016 Appropriates $1.4 Billion from the General Budget to Address the State Healthcare Worker Shortage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 49)
March 1, 2023 SD HB 1165 Prohibits Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 11)
March 1, 2023 SD SB 55 Prohibits Ranked-Choice Voting Bill Passed - House (63 - 5)
March 1, 2023 UT HB 131 Prohibits Public Entities from Restricting Employment Due to an Individuals Vaccination Status Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
March 1, 2023 WY SF 127 Authorizes a State Digital Currency Bill Passed - House (36 - 25)
March 1, 2023 KY SB 104 Repeals the Kentucky Public Television Board and Requires Senate Confirmation for Future Appointments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
March 1, 2023 AZ HB 2552 Prohibits Ranked Choice Voting Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
March 1, 2023 AZ HB 2691 Requires a Video Livestream of Ballots During the Signature Matching Process Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
March 1, 2023 National HR 347 Reduce Exacerbated Inflation Negatively Impacting the Nation Act Bill Passed - House (272 - 148)
Feb. 28, 2023 WY SF 131 Prohibits the Distribution of Unsolicited Absentee Ballot Forms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Feb. 28, 2023 MI HB 4016 Appropriates $1.4 Billion from the General Budget to Address the State Healthcare Worker Shortage Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
Feb. 28, 2023 AZ SB 1141 Requires Voter ID at Polling Places and for Absentee Ballot Submission Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 28, 2023 WY SF 131 Prohibits the Distribution of Unsolicited Absentee Ballot Forms Bill Passed - House (54 - 5)
Feb. 28, 2023 AZ SB 1565 Prohibits Arizona Counties from Using Artificial Intelligence in Verifying a Voter's Signature Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 28, 2023 AZ SB 1180 Prohibits an Individual From Being Paid on the Basis of How Many Voter Registration Forms They Collect Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 28, 2023 AZ HB 2319 Amends How Judges Interpret Election Laws Bill Passed - House (31 - 26)
Feb. 28, 2023 AZ SB 1066 Requires All Nongovernmental Entities Sending Election-Related Information Specify Their Status Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 28, 2023 AZ SB 1201 Reduces the Number of Signatures Election Officials Could Use to Verify Ballot Signatures Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 28, 2023 AZ HB 2319 Amends How Judges Interpret Election Laws Bill Passed - House (31 - 26)
Feb. 28, 2023 SC H 3591 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Repeal the State "Blaine Amendment" Resolution Passed - House (83 - 27)
Feb. 27, 2023 SD HB 1165 Prohibits Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
Feb. 27, 2023 GA SB 145 Prohibits Local Ordinances Against Gas Powered Leaf Blowers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 16)
Feb. 25, 2023 NM SB 180 Amends Various State Election Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
Feb. 24, 2023 WY HB 103 Specifies Process for Declaration or Change of Voter Party Affiliation Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
Feb. 24, 2023 ID H 138 Amends Date of the State Presidential Primary from March to May Bill Passed - House (61 - 6)
Feb. 24, 2023 PA HB 1 Amends the State Constitution to Increase the Reporting Window for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Bill Passed - House (161 - 40)
Feb. 24, 2023 PA HB 2 Amends State Law to Temporarily Open the 2-Year Window for Survivors to File Civil Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (134 - 67)
Feb. 23, 2023 SD SB 102 Requires Continuous Updating of Candidate Lists Prior to an Election Bill Passed - House (66 - 2)
Feb. 23, 2023 NV AJR 10 Prohibits Involuntary Servitude Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
Feb. 23, 2023 KS SB 208 Repeals All Ballot Drop Boxes in the State Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 23, 2023 KS HB 2056 Requires All Advance Voting Ballots be Returned by 7:00 P.M. on Election Day Bill Passed - House (77 - 45)
Feb. 23, 2023 MT SB 178 Establishes State Legal Protections for Cryptocurrency Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
Feb. 22, 2023 KY HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
Feb. 22, 2023 IN HB 1334 Increases Restrictions on Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (64 - 28)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/09 HB 281 Amends State Energy and Utility Policies "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (184 - 168)
3/09 HR 140 Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act Bill Passed - House (219 - 206)
3/09 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 - House (227 - 198)
3/08 H J Res 26 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (81 - 14)
3/08 HB 4 Expands Various Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
3/08 H 3014 Authorizes Additional Penalties for Perpetrators of Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (84 - 31)
3/08 HB 1415 Establishes a Committee to Oversee Election Operations Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
3/08 HB 1415 Establishes a Committee to Oversee Election Operations Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
3/08 HB 1241 Establishes Harassing Election Workers as a Felony Crime Bill Passed - House (90 - 7)
3/08 HB 151 Authorizes a Joint Resolution Establishing Term Limits for Congress Joint Resolution Passed - House (69 - 48)
3/08 HB 23-1185 Establishes Limitations on Candidates Who Can Replace Recalled Elected Officials (48 - 14)
3/07 SB 2358 Prohibits a Third-Party From Collecting and Delivering Somebody Else's Absentee Ballot Bill Passed - House (73 - 44)
3/07 HB 1020 Establishes a Court System of Unelected Judges and Prosecutors for the City of Jackson, Mississippi Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
3/07 HB 7 Establishes State Protections for Gender Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
3/07 SF 514 Restructures Iowa State Government Cabinet Positions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
3/07 SB 1597 Requires On-Site Tabulation of All Election Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/07 HB 2613 Requires 100% of a Voting Machine be Manufactured in the United States Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
3/07 H 5305 Specifies that Public Elementary and Secondary Schools will be Closed on Election Day Bill Passed - House (71 - 0)
3/07 SF 478 Increases Restrictions on Information the State Auditor's Office can Obtain During Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
3/07 SF 514 Restructures Iowa State Government Cabinet Positions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
3/06 SB 160 Requires Ballots be Audited Within 15 Days Following a Primary or General Election Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
3/06 HB 1094 Reduces Tax Rates on Food and Repeals Conditional Reduction of Certain Gross Receipts Tax Rates Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/06 HB 1419 Increases Number of Counties Where a Minimum Number of Signatures Must be Submitted from 15 to 50 Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/06 SB 70 Amends Courtroom Provisions and Requirements for Minor Witnesses Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
3/06 SB 207 Establishes Penalties for Appropriating Public Funds to Influence an Election Result Bill Passed - House (62 - 6)
3/06 HB 514 Limits Local Government Ability to Stop New Residential Building Bill Passed - House (127 - 43)
3/06 HB 30 Defines "Antisemitism" into State Law Bill Passed - House (136 - 22)
3/06 HB 48 Reduces the Number of Nashville Metro City Council Members by Half Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
3/06 S 1056 Repeals State Law that Prohibits Local Groups from Carrying Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
3/02 SB 139 Establishes a 30-Day State Residency Requirement to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
3/02 HB 3307 Establishing the West Virginia-Ireland Trade Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (87 - 10)
3/02 HB 347 Prohibits Tampering With Ballot Boxes Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
3/02 SB 420 Requires City Official Elections be Held in Even Numbered Years Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
3/02 HB 2078 Authorizes a State Audit Process of Election Results Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
3/02 HB 236 Requires Public Pension Investments be based on Financial Risks and Returns not ESG Factors Bill Passed - House (77 - 14)
3/02 SB 208 Prohibits Local Governments from Banning or Limiting Energy Choices Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
3/02 H 429 Authorizes Several Changes to Vermont Election Laws Bill Failed - House (59 - 78)
3/02 H 429 Authorizes Several Changes to Vermont Election Laws Bill Failed - House (59 - 78)
3/02 SB 222 Requires All Election Expenses be Paid for with State Public Funds Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 23)
3/02 SB 1264 Prohibits Election Officials or Workers from Being in Political Action Committees Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/02 HB 693 Prohibits State Agencies from Denying Individual Records Request Due To Ongoing Litigation Bill Passed - House (94 - 4)
3/01 HB 4016 Appropriates $1.4 Billion from the General Budget to Address the State Healthcare Worker Shortage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 49)
3/01 HB 1165 Prohibits Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 11)
3/01 SB 55 Prohibits Ranked-Choice Voting Bill Passed - House (63 - 5)
3/01 HB 131 Prohibits Public Entities from Restricting Employment Due to an Individuals Vaccination Status Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
3/01 SF 127 Authorizes a State Digital Currency Bill Passed - House (36 - 25)
3/01 SB 104 Repeals the Kentucky Public Television Board and Requires Senate Confirmation for Future Appointments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
3/01 HB 2552 Prohibits Ranked Choice Voting Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
3/01 HB 2691 Requires a Video Livestream of Ballots During the Signature Matching Process Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
3/01 HR 347 Reduce Exacerbated Inflation Negatively Impacting the Nation Act Bill Passed - House (272 - 148)
2/28 SF 131 Prohibits the Distribution of Unsolicited Absentee Ballot Forms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
2/28 HB 4016 Appropriates $1.4 Billion from the General Budget to Address the State Healthcare Worker Shortage Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
2/28 SB 1141 Requires Voter ID at Polling Places and for Absentee Ballot Submission Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/28 SF 131 Prohibits the Distribution of Unsolicited Absentee Ballot Forms Bill Passed - House (54 - 5)
2/28 SB 1565 Prohibits Arizona Counties from Using Artificial Intelligence in Verifying a Voter's Signature Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/28 SB 1180 Prohibits an Individual From Being Paid on the Basis of How Many Voter Registration Forms They Collect Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/28 HB 2319 Amends How Judges Interpret Election Laws Bill Passed - House (31 - 26)
2/28 SB 1066 Requires All Nongovernmental Entities Sending Election-Related Information Specify Their Status Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/28 SB 1201 Reduces the Number of Signatures Election Officials Could Use to Verify Ballot Signatures Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/28 HB 2319 Amends How Judges Interpret Election Laws Bill Passed - House (31 - 26)
2/28 H 3591 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Repeal the State "Blaine Amendment" Resolution Passed - House (83 - 27)
2/27 HB 1165 Prohibits Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
2/27 SB 145 Prohibits Local Ordinances Against Gas Powered Leaf Blowers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 16)
2/25 SB 180 Amends Various State Election Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
2/24 HB 103 Specifies Process for Declaration or Change of Voter Party Affiliation Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
2/24 H 138 Amends Date of the State Presidential Primary from March to May Bill Passed - House (61 - 6)
2/24 HB 1 Amends the State Constitution to Increase the Reporting Window for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Bill Passed - House (161 - 40)
2/24 HB 2 Amends State Law to Temporarily Open the 2-Year Window for Survivors to File Civil Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (134 - 67)
2/23 SB 102 Requires Continuous Updating of Candidate Lists Prior to an Election Bill Passed - House (66 - 2)
2/23 AJR 10 Prohibits Involuntary Servitude Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
2/23 SB 208 Repeals All Ballot Drop Boxes in the State Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/23 HB 2056 Requires All Advance Voting Ballots be Returned by 7:00 P.M. on Election Day Bill Passed - House (77 - 45)
2/23 SB 178 Establishes State Legal Protections for Cryptocurrency Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
2/22 HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
2/22 HB 1334 Increases Restrictions on Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (64 - 28)

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