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 10, 2023 VT S 39 Increases Compensation and Benefits for Members of the Vermont General Assembly Bill Passed - House (102 - 44)
May 9, 2023 VT S 100 Expands Affordable Housing Access Bill Passed - House (135 - 11)
May 8, 2023 CO HB 23-1190 Authorizes Local Governments the Right of First Refusal on Multifamily Properties Concurrence Vote Passed - House (42 - 19)
May 7, 2023 CO HB 23-1255 Prohibits Local Growth Caps Concurrence Vote Passed - House (43 - 21)
May 7, 2023 CO HB 23-1057 Requires All New Government Buildings have Non-Gendered Bathrooms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 17)
May 6, 2023 CO SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
May 5, 2023 AL SB 9 Requires All Electronic Voting Machines Use Paper Ballots Bill Passed - House (78 - 27)
May 4, 2023 CO HB 23-1245 Amends Fair Campaign Practices Act for Municipal Elections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 18)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Bill Passed - House (82 - 33)
May 3, 2023 IA SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 2 Appropriates $14 Billion for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 8)
May 2, 2023 MT SB 254 Restructures General Election Laws in Montana Bill Passed - House (58 - 37)
May 2, 2023 AL SB 10 Prohibits Electronic Voting Machines from Being Connected to Internet or Bluetooth Bill Passed - House (77 - 28)
May 2, 2023 IA SF 557 Appropriates Funding for Various State Government Administrative and Regulative Costs Bill Passed - House (60 - 35)
May 2, 2023 NY S 4000 Appropriates Resources for the State Operations Budget Bill Passed - House (104 - 46)
May 2, 2023 HI SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - House (49 - 2)
May 1, 2023 IA HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - House (61 - 33)
May 1, 2023 IA HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - House (61 - 33)
May 1, 2023 CO HB 23-1306 Authorizes Elected Officials to Block Public Access to Their Social Media Bill Passed - House (43 - 20)
April 29, 2023 ND SB 2012 Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services Develop a Pregnancy and Parenting Resource Website Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 5)
April 28, 2023 FL SB 7050 Authorizes State Officials to Run for Vice President or President Without Resigning Bill Passed - House (76 - 34)
April 27, 2023 TX HB 357 Expands Access to Trackers Used for Mail-in Ballots. Bill Passed - House (145 - 0)
April 27, 2023 TX HB 357 Expands Access to Trackers Used for Mail-in Ballots. Bill Passed - House (145 - 0)
April 26, 2023 OK SB 375 Amends Date for Upcoming Primary Elections and Deadlines for Declaring Candidacy Bill Passed - House (83 - 7)
April 25, 2023 ND HB 1474 Establishes State Definitions for Male, Female, Sex, and Scrap Metal Dealer Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 15)
April 25, 2023 NV AB 286 Authorizes Incarcerated Individuals to Vote Bill Passed - House (39 - 3)
April 25, 2023 NV AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
April 25, 2023 WI AB 151 Requires State Agency Job Trainings and Workforce Development Programs be Assessed Based on Employment Statistics Bill Passed - House (60 - 35)
April 25, 2023 WI AB 146 Prohibits Local Governments from Using Any Public Funding for Guaranteed Income Programs Bill Passed - House (60 - 34)
April 22, 2023 WA HB 1447 Expands Assistance Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 36)
April 22, 2023 WA HB 1447 Expands Assistance Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 36)
April 21, 2023 TN SB 978 Requires Voters be Notified of Party Affiliation Requirements at Each Polling Place on Election Day Bill Passed - House (55 - 27)
April 21, 2023 TN SB 955 Prohibits State Investment of Public Funds for ESG Investments Bill Passed - House (75 - 19)
April 20, 2023 IA SF 478 Increases Restrictions on Information the State Auditor's Office can Obtain During Investigations Bill Passed - House (55 - 41)
April 20, 2023 AK HB 141 Establishes June 9th as Don Young Day Bill Passed - House (35 - 2)
April 19, 2023 National H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - House (229 - 189)
April 18, 2023 MN HF 1830 Appropriates $1.5 Billion for State Elections and Government Agencies Operating Costs Bill Passed - House (70 - 59)
April 18, 2023 WI AB 141 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Clean Energy Devices Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
April 18, 2023 WI AB 142 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Motor Vehicles Based on Energy Sources Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
April 14, 2023 WA HB 1317 Expands Reporting Rules Regarding Grassroots Lobbying Bill Passed - House (61 - 35)
April 13, 2023 FL HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - House (83 - 19)
April 11, 2023 ND HB 1230 Establishes Penalties for the Intentional Submission of Petitions with Fraudulent Signatures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 38)
April 10, 2023 MD HB 1200 Requires Election Judges be Paid at Least $250 Per Day Concurrence Vote Passed - House (129 - 10)
April 10, 2023 MD HB 1200 Requires Election Judges be Paid at Least $250 Per Day Concurrence Vote Passed - House (129 - 10)
April 10, 2023 WA SB 5459 Authorizes County Elections Offices to not Produce Records if a Request is Received and Requires all Election Requests be Submitted to the Secretary of State Bill Passed - House (58 - 40)
April 10, 2023 MD SB 880 Establishes the Baltimore Regional Water Governance Task Force Bill Passed - House (135 - 5)
April 10, 2023 AZ SB 1565 Prohibits Arizona Counties from Using Artificial Intelligence in Verifying a Voter's Signature Bill Passed - House (31 - 26)
April 10, 2023 WA SB 5459 Authorizes County Elections Offices to not Produce Records if a Request is Received and Requires all Election Requests be Submitted to the Secretary of State Bill Passed - House (58 - 40)
April 8, 2023 MD HB 2 Authorizes Subtraction Modification on State Income Tax for Certain Union Dues Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 36)
April 7, 2023 WA SB 5112 Amends the Voter Registration Process Bill Passed - House (57 - 40)
April 7, 2023 MD SB 859 Prohibits Requiring an Individual Give Testimony or Statements in Another State Regarding Their "Legally Protected Healthcare" Bill Passed - House (98 - 38)
April 6, 2023 KS SB 17 Expands Affordable Housing Conference Report Adopted - House (63 - 59)
April 6, 2023 NH HB 430 Limits Eligibility to the Education Freedom Account Program "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (194 - 192)
April 6, 2023 MD SB 379 Expands Absentee Ballot Deadline Bill Passed - House (99 - 36)
April 6, 2023 TN HR 65 Requires Rep. Justin Jones be Expelled from the State House of Representatives Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23)
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 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 4, 2023 KS HB 2053 Appropriates Resources to Provide for a Presidential Preference Primary Election in 2024 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 32)
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 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 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 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 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 ND SB 2291 Requires a Study on Utilization of the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program Bill Passed - House (81 - 9)
March 28, 2023 MS HB 1310 Authorizes Restoring the Voting Rights of Military Veterans Convicted of Felonies Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 42)
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 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 21, 2023 IL HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/10 S 39 Increases Compensation and Benefits for Members of the Vermont General Assembly Bill Passed - House (102 - 44)
5/09 S 100 Expands Affordable Housing Access Bill Passed - House (135 - 11)
5/08 HB 23-1190 Authorizes Local Governments the Right of First Refusal on Multifamily Properties Concurrence Vote Passed - House (42 - 19)
5/07 HB 23-1255 Prohibits Local Growth Caps Concurrence Vote Passed - House (43 - 21)
5/07 HB 23-1057 Requires All New Government Buildings have Non-Gendered Bathrooms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 17)
5/06 SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
5/05 SB 9 Requires All Electronic Voting Machines Use Paper Ballots Bill Passed - House (78 - 27)
5/04 HB 23-1245 Amends Fair Campaign Practices Act for Municipal Elections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 18)
5/03 SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Bill Passed - House (82 - 33)
5/03 SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
5/02 HB 2 Appropriates $14 Billion for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 8)
5/02 SB 254 Restructures General Election Laws in Montana Bill Passed - House (58 - 37)
5/02 SB 10 Prohibits Electronic Voting Machines from Being Connected to Internet or Bluetooth Bill Passed - House (77 - 28)
5/02 SF 557 Appropriates Funding for Various State Government Administrative and Regulative Costs Bill Passed - House (60 - 35)
5/02 S 4000 Appropriates Resources for the State Operations Budget Bill Passed - House (104 - 46)
5/02 SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - House (49 - 2)
5/01 HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - House (61 - 33)
5/01 HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - House (61 - 33)
5/01 HB 23-1306 Authorizes Elected Officials to Block Public Access to Their Social Media Bill Passed - House (43 - 20)
4/29 SB 2012 Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services Develop a Pregnancy and Parenting Resource Website Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 5)
4/28 SB 7050 Authorizes State Officials to Run for Vice President or President Without Resigning Bill Passed - House (76 - 34)
4/27 HB 357 Expands Access to Trackers Used for Mail-in Ballots. Bill Passed - House (145 - 0)
4/27 HB 357 Expands Access to Trackers Used for Mail-in Ballots. Bill Passed - House (145 - 0)
4/26 SB 375 Amends Date for Upcoming Primary Elections and Deadlines for Declaring Candidacy Bill Passed - House (83 - 7)
4/25 HB 1474 Establishes State Definitions for Male, Female, Sex, and Scrap Metal Dealer Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 15)
4/25 AB 286 Authorizes Incarcerated Individuals to Vote Bill Passed - House (39 - 3)
4/25 AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
4/25 AB 151 Requires State Agency Job Trainings and Workforce Development Programs be Assessed Based on Employment Statistics Bill Passed - House (60 - 35)
4/25 AB 146 Prohibits Local Governments from Using Any Public Funding for Guaranteed Income Programs Bill Passed - House (60 - 34)
4/22 HB 1447 Expands Assistance Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 36)
4/22 HB 1447 Expands Assistance Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 36)
4/21 SB 978 Requires Voters be Notified of Party Affiliation Requirements at Each Polling Place on Election Day Bill Passed - House (55 - 27)
4/21 SB 955 Prohibits State Investment of Public Funds for ESG Investments Bill Passed - House (75 - 19)
4/20 SF 478 Increases Restrictions on Information the State Auditor's Office can Obtain During Investigations Bill Passed - House (55 - 41)
4/20 HB 141 Establishes June 9th as Don Young Day Bill Passed - House (35 - 2)
4/19 H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - House (229 - 189)
4/18 HF 1830 Appropriates $1.5 Billion for State Elections and Government Agencies Operating Costs Bill Passed - House (70 - 59)
4/18 AB 141 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Clean Energy Devices Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
4/18 AB 142 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Motor Vehicles Based on Energy Sources Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
4/14 HB 1317 Expands Reporting Rules Regarding Grassroots Lobbying Bill Passed - House (61 - 35)
4/13 HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - House (83 - 19)
4/11 HB 1230 Establishes Penalties for the Intentional Submission of Petitions with Fraudulent Signatures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 38)
4/10 HB 1200 Requires Election Judges be Paid at Least $250 Per Day Concurrence Vote Passed - House (129 - 10)
4/10 HB 1200 Requires Election Judges be Paid at Least $250 Per Day Concurrence Vote Passed - House (129 - 10)
4/10 SB 5459 Authorizes County Elections Offices to not Produce Records if a Request is Received and Requires all Election Requests be Submitted to the Secretary of State Bill Passed - House (58 - 40)
4/10 SB 880 Establishes the Baltimore Regional Water Governance Task Force Bill Passed - House (135 - 5)
4/10 SB 1565 Prohibits Arizona Counties from Using Artificial Intelligence in Verifying a Voter's Signature Bill Passed - House (31 - 26)
4/10 SB 5459 Authorizes County Elections Offices to not Produce Records if a Request is Received and Requires all Election Requests be Submitted to the Secretary of State Bill Passed - House (58 - 40)
4/08 HB 2 Authorizes Subtraction Modification on State Income Tax for Certain Union Dues Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 36)
4/07 SB 5112 Amends the Voter Registration Process Bill Passed - House (57 - 40)
4/07 SB 859 Prohibits Requiring an Individual Give Testimony or Statements in Another State Regarding Their "Legally Protected Healthcare" Bill Passed - House (98 - 38)
4/06 SB 17 Expands Affordable Housing Conference Report Adopted - House (63 - 59)
4/06 HB 430 Limits Eligibility to the Education Freedom Account Program "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (194 - 192)
4/06 SB 379 Expands Absentee Ballot Deadline Bill Passed - House (99 - 36)
4/06 HR 65 Requires Rep. Justin Jones be Expelled from the State House of Representatives Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23)
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)
4/05 SB 1021 Requires the Arizona Attorney General Defend the Constitutionality of Any Bill Signed into Law Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
4/04 HB 2053 Appropriates Resources to Provide for a Presidential Preference Primary Election in 2024 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 32)
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 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 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 SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - House (98 - 38)
3/29 SB 133 Requires Juvenile Judges Take "Additional Steps" Before Ordering Children Into Foster Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 69)
3/29 SB 2291 Requires a Study on Utilization of the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program Bill Passed - House (81 - 9)
3/28 HB 1310 Authorizes Restoring the Voting Rights of Military Veterans Convicted of Felonies Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 42)
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 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)
3/21 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)

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