Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
July 23, 2013 NC HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 41)
July 22, 2013 NC SB 76 Amends Hydraulic Fracturing Requirements and Authorizes Off-Shore Drilling Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 40)
July 18, 2013 NC SB 81 Establishes the Charlotte International Airport Authority Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
July 16, 2013 NC SB 81 Establishes the Charlotte International Airport Authority Bill Passed - House (75 - 39)
July 8, 2013 CA AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
July 7, 2013 OR HB 3521 Requires Voter Registration Agencies to Provide Records for Automatic Registration Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
June 28, 2013 National HR 2231 Offshore Energy and Jobs Act Bill Passed - House (235 - 186)
June 25, 2013 OR HB 3521 Requires Voter Registration Agencies to Provide Records for Automatic Registration Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
June 23, 2013 TX SB 3 State House Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 23, 2013 TX SB 3 State House Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 3 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 3 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 2 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (109 - 30)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 2 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (109 - 30)
June 20, 2013 National H Amdt 231 Authorizes States to Require Federal Welfare Work Requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 198)
June 14, 2013 CA AB 76 Specifies that Compliance with the California Public Records Act is Optional Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 25)
June 14, 2013 CA AB 76 Specifies that Compliance with the California Public Records Act is Optional Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
June 14, 2013 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
June 14, 2013 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
June 13, 2013 AZ HB 2305 Amends Voting Procedures Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 13)
June 13, 2013 AZ HB 2305 Amends Voting Procedures Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 26)
June 13, 2013 AZ HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 24)
June 13, 2013 AZ HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 24)
June 13, 2013 AZ HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 24)
June 12, 2013 NC SB 306 Repeals the Racial Justice Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
June 6, 2013 National H Amdt 136 Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 201)
June 5, 2013 NC SB 306 Repeals the Racial Justice Act Bill Passed - House (77 - 39)
June 4, 2013 LA SB 188 Increases Judicial Pay Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
June 4, 2013 CT HB 6580 Authorizes Unlimited Spending in State Legislative Elections Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
June 3, 2013 LA SB 153 Requires Equal Pay for State Employees Bill Passed - House (86 - 12)
June 3, 2013 LA SB 188 Increases Judicial Pay Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
June 3, 2013 LA SB 5 Repeals Mandatory Retirement Age for Judges Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 33)
June 2, 2013 NV SJR 8 Establishes Annual Legislative Sessions Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
June 2, 2013 NV SJR 8 Establishes Annual Legislative Sessions Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
May 31, 2013 CT HB 6580 Authorizes Unlimited Spending in State Legislative Elections Bill Passed - House (71 - 59)
May 30, 2013 OH SB 67 Prohibits JobsOhio Liquor Leases from Being Publicly Audited Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
May 29, 2013 OH SB 67 Prohibits JobsOhio Liquor Leases from Being Publicly Audited Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
May 28, 2013 OR SB 154 Requires Signature Gathering Firms to Meet Certain Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
May 27, 2013 IL SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (63 - 55)
May 26, 2013 TX HB 912 Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5)
May 23, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 17)
May 23, 2013 IL HB 3227 Amends State Health Benefits Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 23, 2013 NV AB 440 Extends Voter Registration Period Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 23, 2013 IL HB 3227 Amends State Health Benefits Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 23, 2013 NV AB 441 Authorizes Voting Centers for All Eligible Voters in a City or County Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 23, 2013 NV SJR 13 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - House (27 - 14)
May 23, 2013 CA AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Bill Passed - House (49 - 23)
May 22, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 24)
May 22, 2013 National H Amdt 67 Requires a Finding be Added Concerning Oil Sand Crudes Amendment Rejected - House (146 - 269)
May 22, 2013 LA SB 153 Requires Equal Pay for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
May 20, 2013 NJ S 968 Establishes Procedures for Privatization Contracts Bill Passed - House (48 - 29)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
May 17, 2013 MN HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - House (69 - 62)
May 17, 2013 MN HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - House (69 - 62)
May 17, 2013 MN HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - House (69 - 62)
May 16, 2013 AZ SB 1492 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
May 15, 2013 TX SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
May 15, 2013 IL HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 9)
May 15, 2013 TX SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
May 15, 2013 TX SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
May 15, 2013 TX SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
May 14, 2013 WI AB 85 Amends Milwaukee County Board Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
May 14, 2013 WI AB 85 Amends Milwaukee County Board Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
May 13, 2013 OR SB 602 Prohibits Motorized Boats and Seaplanes on Waldo Lake Bill Passed - House (37 - 20)
May 13, 2013 NJ S 968 Establishes Procedures for Privatization Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 8, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
May 8, 2013 AZ HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
May 8, 2013 AZ HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
May 8, 2013 AZ HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
May 8, 2013 CT HJR 36 Authorizes Early and Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
May 8, 2013 CT HJR 36 Authorizes Early and Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
May 8, 2013 MO SB 265 Prohibits Compliance with United Nations Agenda 21 Bill Passed - House (118 - 37)
May 8, 2013 NC HB 9 Establishes Term Limits for House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore Amendment Adopted - House (85 - 34)
May 8, 2013 NC HB 9 Establishes Term Limits for House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore Amendment Adopted - House (85 - 34)
May 8, 2013 WI AB 85 Amends Milwaukee County Board Regulations Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
May 8, 2013 WI AB 85 Amends Milwaukee County Board Regulations Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
May 8, 2013 MN HF 894 Amends Election Provisions Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
May 7, 2013 TX HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
May 7, 2013 NC HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (78 - 42)
May 6, 2013 National S 743 Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (69 - 27)
May 6, 2013 LA HB 45 Establishes Licenses for the In-State Sale and Manufacture of Firearms Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 3, 2013 CO HB 1303 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 28)
May 2, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
May 2, 2013 CO HB 1303 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
May 2, 2013 NC SB 612 Amends Environmental Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
May 1, 2013 OK HB 1910 Amends State Property Sale Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 23)
May 1, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
April 30, 2013 HI SB 1084 Authorizes the Use of Public Funds for Private Preschools Conference Report Adopted - House (37 - 14)
April 30, 2013 AZ SB 1439 Authorizes the Use of Gold and Silver as Legal Tender Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
April 30, 2013 ME SP 548 Encourages Congress to Adopt a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Campaign Finance Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 31)
April 30, 2013 ME SP 550 Alleges Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 55)
April 30, 2013 ME SP 548 Encourages Congress to Adopt a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Campaign Finance Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 31)
April 30, 2013 ME SP 548 Encourages Congress to Adopt a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Campaign Finance Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 31)
April 30, 2013 ME LD 134 Reduces Size of State Legislature "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (113 - 30)
April 30, 2013 ME LD 134 Reduces Size of State Legislature "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (113 - 30)
Date No. Title Outcome
7/23 HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 41)
7/22 SB 76 Amends Hydraulic Fracturing Requirements and Authorizes Off-Shore Drilling Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 40)
7/18 SB 81 Establishes the Charlotte International Airport Authority Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
7/16 SB 81 Establishes the Charlotte International Airport Authority Bill Passed - House (75 - 39)
7/08 AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
7/07 HB 3521 Requires Voter Registration Agencies to Provide Records for Automatic Registration Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
6/28 HR 2231 Offshore Energy and Jobs Act Bill Passed - House (235 - 186)
6/25 HB 3521 Requires Voter Registration Agencies to Provide Records for Automatic Registration Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
6/23 SB 3 State House Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/23 SB 3 State House Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/21 SB 3 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
6/21 SB 3 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
6/21 SB 2 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (109 - 30)
6/21 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
6/21 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
6/21 SB 2 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (109 - 30)
6/20 H Amdt 231 Authorizes States to Require Federal Welfare Work Requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 198)
6/14 AB 76 Specifies that Compliance with the California Public Records Act is Optional Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 25)
6/14 AB 76 Specifies that Compliance with the California Public Records Act is Optional Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
6/14 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
6/14 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
6/13 HB 2305 Amends Voting Procedures Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 13)
6/13 HB 2305 Amends Voting Procedures Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 26)
6/13 HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 24)
6/13 HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 24)
6/13 HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 24)
6/12 SB 306 Repeals the Racial Justice Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
6/06 H Amdt 136 Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 201)
6/05 SB 306 Repeals the Racial Justice Act Bill Passed - House (77 - 39)
6/04 SB 188 Increases Judicial Pay Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
6/04 HB 6580 Authorizes Unlimited Spending in State Legislative Elections Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
6/03 SB 153 Requires Equal Pay for State Employees Bill Passed - House (86 - 12)
6/03 SB 188 Increases Judicial Pay Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
6/03 SB 5 Repeals Mandatory Retirement Age for Judges Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 33)
6/02 SJR 8 Establishes Annual Legislative Sessions Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
6/02 SJR 8 Establishes Annual Legislative Sessions Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
5/31 HB 6580 Authorizes Unlimited Spending in State Legislative Elections Bill Passed - House (71 - 59)
5/30 SB 67 Prohibits JobsOhio Liquor Leases from Being Publicly Audited Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
5/29 SB 67 Prohibits JobsOhio Liquor Leases from Being Publicly Audited Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
5/28 SB 154 Requires Signature Gathering Firms to Meet Certain Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
5/27 SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (63 - 55)
5/26 HB 912 Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5)
5/23 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 17)
5/23 HB 3227 Amends State Health Benefits Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/23 AB 440 Extends Voter Registration Period Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/23 HB 3227 Amends State Health Benefits Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/23 AB 441 Authorizes Voting Centers for All Eligible Voters in a City or County Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/23 SJR 13 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - House (27 - 14)
5/23 AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Bill Passed - House (49 - 23)
5/22 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 24)
5/22 H Amdt 67 Requires a Finding be Added Concerning Oil Sand Crudes Amendment Rejected - House (146 - 269)
5/22 SB 153 Requires Equal Pay for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
5/20 S 968 Establishes Procedures for Privatization Contracts Bill Passed - House (48 - 29)
5/19 HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
5/19 HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
5/19 HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
5/17 HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - House (69 - 62)
5/17 HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - House (69 - 62)
5/17 HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - House (69 - 62)
5/16 SB 1492 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
5/15 SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
5/15 HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 9)
5/15 SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
5/15 SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
5/15 SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
5/14 AB 85 Amends Milwaukee County Board Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
5/14 AB 85 Amends Milwaukee County Board Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
5/13 SB 602 Prohibits Motorized Boats and Seaplanes on Waldo Lake Bill Passed - House (37 - 20)
5/13 S 968 Establishes Procedures for Privatization Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/08 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
5/08 HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
5/08 HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
5/08 HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
5/08 HJR 36 Authorizes Early and Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
5/08 HJR 36 Authorizes Early and Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
5/08 SB 265 Prohibits Compliance with United Nations Agenda 21 Bill Passed - House (118 - 37)
5/08 HB 9 Establishes Term Limits for House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore Amendment Adopted - House (85 - 34)
5/08 HB 9 Establishes Term Limits for House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore Amendment Adopted - House (85 - 34)
5/08 AB 85 Amends Milwaukee County Board Regulations Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
5/08 AB 85 Amends Milwaukee County Board Regulations Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
5/08 HF 894 Amends Election Provisions Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
5/07 HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
5/07 HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (78 - 42)
5/06 S 743 Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (69 - 27)
5/06 HB 45 Establishes Licenses for the In-State Sale and Manufacture of Firearms Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
5/06 HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/03 HB 1303 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 28)
5/02 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
5/02 HB 1303 Authorizes Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/02 SB 612 Amends Environmental Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
5/01 HB 1910 Amends State Property Sale Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 23)
5/01 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
4/30 SB 1084 Authorizes the Use of Public Funds for Private Preschools Conference Report Adopted - House (37 - 14)
4/30 SB 1439 Authorizes the Use of Gold and Silver as Legal Tender Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
4/30 SP 548 Encourages Congress to Adopt a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Campaign Finance Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 31)
4/30 SP 550 Alleges Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 55)
4/30 SP 548 Encourages Congress to Adopt a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Campaign Finance Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 31)
4/30 SP 548 Encourages Congress to Adopt a Constitutional Amendment Regarding Campaign Finance Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 31)
4/30 LD 134 Reduces Size of State Legislature "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (113 - 30)
4/30 LD 134 Reduces Size of State Legislature "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (113 - 30)

arrow_upward