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
June 23, 2009 MI HB 4441 2009-2010 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
March 6, 2009 UT HB 100 Prison Education and Medical Financing Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
April 6, 2009 OR SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - House (50 - 8)
April 25, 2009 WA HB 1614 Oil Importation Fee for Storm Water Pollution Cleanup Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
March 5, 2009 OR SB 5552 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
Jan. 14, 2009 MS HB 364 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (81 - 39)
Jan. 9, 2009 IL HR 1671 Impeachment of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich Resolution Passed - House (114 - 1)
Jan. 21, 2009 WY SF 12 Increasing Campaign Contribution Limit Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
Jan. 19, 2009 WY HB 67 Taxing Moist Snuff Tobacco Based on Weight Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
Jan. 21, 2009 MT SB 31 Revising Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission Membership Qualifications Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Jan. 14, 2009 TX SR 14 Majority Vote Requirement for Voter ID Bill Consideration Resolution Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
Jan. 14, 2009 IL HR 5 Impeachment of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich Resolution Passed - House (117 - 1)
Jan. 22, 2009 MS HB 1090 Increasing Public Utilities Staff Oversight Bill Passed - House (64 - 53)
Jan. 28, 2009 MT HB 13 State Employee Compensation Amendments Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
Jan. 28, 2009 MT HB 13 State Employee Compensation Amendments Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
Jan. 29, 2009 MT HB 147 Revising Campaign Expenditure Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
Jan. 27, 2009 WI AB 1 Wisconsin-Based Products and Services Purchasing Goals Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
Jan. 27, 2009 WI AB 2 Mandatory State Contracting with Domestic Companies Bill Passed - House (69 - 30)
Jan. 7, 2009 MS HB 290 2008-2009 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - House (87 - 34)
Feb. 2, 2009 UT HB 3 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (65 - 9)
Feb. 2, 2009 UT SB 4 2008-2009 Education Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Feb. 2, 2009 UT SB 4 2008-2009 Education Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (57 - 17)
Feb. 3, 2009 MT HB 157 Children's Health Insurance Program Appropriations and Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 40)
Feb. 3, 2009 WY HB 31 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Jan. 26, 2009 VA SB 810 Authorizing No-Excuse, In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Jan. 29, 2009 IA SF 44 Expediting Local-Option Tax Approval in Disaster Areas Bill Passed - House (55 - 37)
Jan. 29, 2009 IA SF 44 Expediting Local-Option Tax Approval in Disaster Areas Bill Passed - House (55 - 37)
Jan. 27, 2009 IA SF 44 Expediting Local-Option Tax Approval in Disaster Areas Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2009 IA SF 44 Expediting Local-Option Tax Approval in Disaster Areas Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2009 OR SB 338 Authorizing Bonds for Public-Works Projects Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Feb. 2, 2009 MT SJ 7 Statement of Opposition to Expansion of EPA Jurisdiction (H.R. 2421) Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
Feb. 2, 2009 MT SJ 7 Statement of Opposition to Expansion of EPA Jurisdiction (H.R. 2421) Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
Feb. 4, 2009 NH HB 30 Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Reductions Bill Passed - House (321 - 54)
Jan. 28, 2009 OR SB 5562 Authorizing Bonds for Public-Works Projects Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Jan. 30, 2009 AZ SB 1001 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Feb. 13, 2009 ND SB 2184 Repeals Auto Rebate Tax Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 6)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA SB 1473 Department of Forestry Land Use Permits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA SB 1473 Department of Forestry Land Use Permits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 6, 2009 MT SB 187 Limitations on Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
Feb. 6, 2009 MT SB 187 Limitations on Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
Feb. 9, 2009 WY HB 240 Pay Raise for Certain Elected Officials Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
Feb. 9, 2009 WY HB 240 Pay Raise for Certain Elected Officials Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
Feb. 9, 2009 VA SJ 273 Legislative Restoration of Voting Rights for Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
Feb. 24, 2009 VA HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
Feb. 9, 2009 SD SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Feb. 9, 2009 SD SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Feb. 11, 2009 MS HB 1533 Election Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (78 - 44)
Feb. 12, 2009 OR HB 2157 Severing the Federal and State Income Tax Connection Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
Feb. 12, 2009 OR HB 2157 Severing the Federal and State Income Tax Connection Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
Feb. 4, 2009 OR HB 2157 Severing the Federal and State Income Tax Connection Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
Feb. 4, 2009 OR HB 2157 Severing the Federal and State Income Tax Connection Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
Feb. 3, 2009 NY A 163-A 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (102 - 44)
Feb. 3, 2009 NY A 163-A 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
Feb. 2, 2009 NY A 1688 Expanding Local Control Over Rent Laws Bill Passed - House (94 - 49)
Feb. 20, 2009 NE LB 85 Bond Revenue to Fund Streets and Bridges Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 10)
Feb. 18, 2009 SC S 351 State Ports Authority Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
Feb. 26, 2009 National S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
Feb. 26, 2009 National S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
Feb. 26, 2009 National S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
Feb. 20, 2009 MT SB 394 Expanding Mail Ballot Elections Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
Feb. 18, 2009 WY HB 67 Taxing Moist Snuff Tobacco Based on Weight Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Feb. 3, 2009 NY S 249-A Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
Feb. 17, 2009 ND HB 1572 Legislative Intent With Regards to the Legal Definition of Life Bill Passed - House (51 - 41)
Feb. 18, 2009 UT HB 122 Restricting Access to Government Litigation Records Bill Passed - House (43 - 27)
Feb. 17, 2009 OK HB 1410 State Purchasing Authority Amendments Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
Feb. 19, 2009 ND HB 1400 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (78 - 16)
Feb. 17, 2009 ND HB 1255 Corporate Tax Rate Reduction Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
Feb. 17, 2009 ND HB 1268 Sales Tax Exemption on Clothing Purchases Bill Passed - House (66 - 26)
Feb. 18, 2009 OK HB 1602 Attorney Fee Limits Bill Passed - House (54 - 46)
Feb. 17, 2009 ND HB 1324 Income Tax Rebates and Rate Reduction Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
Feb. 4, 2009 SD HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - House (36 - 34)
Feb. 4, 2009 SD HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - House (36 - 34)
Feb. 18, 2009 SD HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
Feb. 18, 2009 SD HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
Feb. 23, 2009 OR SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Feb. 23, 2009 OR SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Feb. 23, 2009 OR SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Feb. 17, 2009 SD SB 106 School Funding Formula Revision Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 3, 2009 NY S 249-A Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (104 - 42)
Feb. 25, 2009 AR HB 1339 Election of the President by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
Feb. 27, 2009 VT S 34 Presidential Election by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
Feb. 27, 2009 VT S 34 Presidential Election by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
Feb. 25, 2009 CT HB 6602 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
March 4, 2009 OK HB 1603 Tort Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (61 - 39)
March 4, 2009 OK SB 748 Independent Performance Audit of State Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
March 3, 2009 SC H 3418 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (67 - 44)
March 4, 2009 NH HB 644 Gasoline Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (190 - 162)
Feb. 26, 2009 MO HB 242 Authorizing Four-Day School Weeks Bill Passed - House (101 - 60)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1729 Gaming Facility Tax Amendments Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
Feb. 26, 2009 IA HF 414 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
March 4, 2009 KS HB 2206 Partial Birth/Late-term Abortion Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - House (82 - 40)
Feb. 24, 2009 NV IP 1 Lodging Tax Bill Passed - House (35 - 7)
March 10, 2009 NV IP 1 Lodging Tax Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
March 5, 2009 OH HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Transportation Budget Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
March 11, 2009 OK HB 1037 Voter Identification Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
March 11, 2009 TX SB 362 Requiring Proof of Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
March 4, 2009 UT SB 29 Authorizing Corporate Water Systems to Refuse Fluoridation Bill Passed - House (60 - 11)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/23 HB 4441 2009-2010 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
3/06 HB 100 Prison Education and Medical Financing Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
4/06 SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - House (50 - 8)
4/25 HB 1614 Oil Importation Fee for Storm Water Pollution Cleanup Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
3/05 SB 5552 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
1/14 HB 364 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (81 - 39)
1/09 HR 1671 Impeachment of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich Resolution Passed - House (114 - 1)
1/21 SF 12 Increasing Campaign Contribution Limit Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
1/19 HB 67 Taxing Moist Snuff Tobacco Based on Weight Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
1/21 SB 31 Revising Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission Membership Qualifications Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
1/14 SR 14 Majority Vote Requirement for Voter ID Bill Consideration Resolution Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
1/14 HR 5 Impeachment of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich Resolution Passed - House (117 - 1)
1/22 HB 1090 Increasing Public Utilities Staff Oversight Bill Passed - House (64 - 53)
1/28 HB 13 State Employee Compensation Amendments Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
1/28 HB 13 State Employee Compensation Amendments Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
1/29 HB 147 Revising Campaign Expenditure Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
1/27 AB 1 Wisconsin-Based Products and Services Purchasing Goals Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
1/27 AB 2 Mandatory State Contracting with Domestic Companies Bill Passed - House (69 - 30)
1/07 HB 290 2008-2009 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - House (87 - 34)
2/02 HB 3 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (65 - 9)
2/02 SB 4 2008-2009 Education Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
2/02 SB 4 2008-2009 Education Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (57 - 17)
2/03 HB 157 Children's Health Insurance Program Appropriations and Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 40)
2/03 HB 31 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
1/26 SB 810 Authorizing No-Excuse, In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
1/29 SF 44 Expediting Local-Option Tax Approval in Disaster Areas Bill Passed - House (55 - 37)
1/29 SF 44 Expediting Local-Option Tax Approval in Disaster Areas Bill Passed - House (55 - 37)
1/27 SF 44 Expediting Local-Option Tax Approval in Disaster Areas Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
1/27 SF 44 Expediting Local-Option Tax Approval in Disaster Areas Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
1/28 SB 338 Authorizing Bonds for Public-Works Projects Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
2/02 SJ 7 Statement of Opposition to Expansion of EPA Jurisdiction (H.R. 2421) Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
2/02 SJ 7 Statement of Opposition to Expansion of EPA Jurisdiction (H.R. 2421) Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
2/04 HB 30 Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Reductions Bill Passed - House (321 - 54)
1/28 SB 5562 Authorizing Bonds for Public-Works Projects Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
1/30 SB 1001 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
2/13 SB 2184 Repeals Auto Rebate Tax Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 6)
2/04 SB 1473 Department of Forestry Land Use Permits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/04 SB 1473 Department of Forestry Land Use Permits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/06 SB 187 Limitations on Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
2/06 SB 187 Limitations on Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
2/09 HB 240 Pay Raise for Certain Elected Officials Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
2/09 HB 240 Pay Raise for Certain Elected Officials Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
2/09 SJ 273 Legislative Restoration of Voting Rights for Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/04 HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
2/24 HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
2/09 SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
2/09 SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
2/11 HB 1533 Election Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (78 - 44)
2/12 HB 2157 Severing the Federal and State Income Tax Connection Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
2/12 HB 2157 Severing the Federal and State Income Tax Connection Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
2/04 HB 2157 Severing the Federal and State Income Tax Connection Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
2/04 HB 2157 Severing the Federal and State Income Tax Connection Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
2/03 A 163-A 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (102 - 44)
2/03 A 163-A 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
2/02 A 1688 Expanding Local Control Over Rent Laws Bill Passed - House (94 - 49)
2/20 LB 85 Bond Revenue to Fund Streets and Bridges Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 10)
2/18 S 351 State Ports Authority Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
2/26 S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
2/26 S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
2/26 S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
2/20 SB 394 Expanding Mail Ballot Elections Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
2/18 HB 67 Taxing Moist Snuff Tobacco Based on Weight Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
2/03 S 249-A Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
2/17 HB 1572 Legislative Intent With Regards to the Legal Definition of Life Bill Passed - House (51 - 41)
2/18 HB 122 Restricting Access to Government Litigation Records Bill Passed - House (43 - 27)
2/17 HB 1410 State Purchasing Authority Amendments Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
2/19 HB 1400 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (78 - 16)
2/17 HB 1255 Corporate Tax Rate Reduction Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
2/17 HB 1268 Sales Tax Exemption on Clothing Purchases Bill Passed - House (66 - 26)
2/18 HB 1602 Attorney Fee Limits Bill Passed - House (54 - 46)
2/17 HB 1324 Income Tax Rebates and Rate Reduction Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
2/04 HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - House (36 - 34)
2/04 HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - House (36 - 34)
2/18 HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
2/18 HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
2/23 SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
2/23 SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
2/23 SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
2/17 SB 106 School Funding Formula Revision Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/03 S 249-A Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (104 - 42)
2/25 HB 1339 Election of the President by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
2/27 S 34 Presidential Election by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
2/27 S 34 Presidential Election by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
2/25 HB 6602 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
2/25 HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
2/25 HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
3/04 HB 1603 Tort Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (61 - 39)
3/04 SB 748 Independent Performance Audit of State Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
3/03 H 3418 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (67 - 44)
3/04 HB 644 Gasoline Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (190 - 162)
2/26 HB 242 Authorizing Four-Day School Weeks Bill Passed - House (101 - 60)
2/25 HB 1729 Gaming Facility Tax Amendments Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
2/26 HF 414 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
3/04 HB 2206 Partial Birth/Late-term Abortion Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - House (82 - 40)
2/24 IP 1 Lodging Tax Bill Passed - House (35 - 7)
3/10 IP 1 Lodging Tax Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
3/05 HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Transportation Budget Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
3/11 HB 1037 Voter Identification Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
3/11 SB 362 Requiring Proof of Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
3/04 SB 29 Authorizing Corporate Water Systems to Refuse Fluoridation Bill Passed - House (60 - 11)

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