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 20, 2018 DE HB 330 Increases Minimum Purchase Age for Firearms Bill Passed - House (24 - 16)
July 2, 2017 DE HB 279 Increases Rate of Realty Transfer Tax Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
July 2, 2017 DE HB 279 Increases Rate of Realty Transfer Tax Bill Passed - House (31 - 9)
June 29, 2017 DE HB 190 Authorizes Commercial Activity in State-Designated Coastal Zones Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 2)
June 29, 2017 DE HB 249 Authorizes Fantasy Sports Betting Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
June 20, 2017 DE HB 190 Authorizes Commercial Activity in State-Designated Coastal Zones Bill Passed - House (34 - 7)
June 6, 2017 DE SB 5 Authorizes Abortions Before the Point of Viability Bill Passed - House (22 - 16)
May 18, 2017 DE SB 24 Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
May 16, 2017 DE SB 24 Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 1)
May 9, 2017 DE HB 125 Authorizes Capital Punishment Bill Passed - House (26 - 16)
May 9, 2017 DE SB 5 Authorizes Abortions Before the Point of Viability Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 7)
April 5, 2017 DE SB 27 Establishes Bipartisan Commission for Drawing Legislative Districts Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 7)
April 21, 2016 DE HB 325 Amends Requirements for Purchasing a Firearm Bill Passed - House (22 - 17)
Jan. 28, 2016 DE SB 40 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Failed - House (16 - 23)
June 30, 2015 DE SB 59 Authorizes an Undocumented Immigrant to Apply For and Obtain Valid Driving Privileges Bill Passed - House (22 - 15)
June 18, 2015 DE HB 39 Decriminalizes Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
June 17, 2015 DE HB 50 Authorizes Parents to Opt Children Out of Standardized Tests Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
June 16, 2015 DE HB 115 Authorizes Individuals to Change Name Based on Gender-Related Identity Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 5)
June 2, 2015 DE HB 39 Decriminalizes Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana Bill Passed - House (24 - 14)
May 12, 2015 DE SB 75 Prohibits Stock Corporations from Establishing Fee-Shifting Bylaws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
April 2, 2015 DE SB 40 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
July 1, 2014 DE SB 220 Appropriates Funds for State Casino Relief Bill Passed - House (27 - 10)
June 26, 2014 DE HB 13 Prohibits Lawmakers from Becoming Lobbyists for 1 Year After Leaving Office Concurrence Vote Passed - House (33 - 7)
June 26, 2014 DE SB 36 Authorizes Judges to Hold Suspects of Violent Felonies without Bail Amendment Adopted - House (29 - 12)
June 25, 2014 DE SB 36 Authorizes Judges to Hold Suspects of Violent Felonies without Bail Amendment Rejected - House (24 - 15)
June 25, 2014 DE SB 220 Appropriates Funds for State Casino Relief Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
June 3, 2014 DE SB 209 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Passed - House (24 - 13)
May 8, 2014 DE SB 209 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
April 10, 2014 DE HB 265 Increases Certain Business Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
April 3, 2014 DE HB 265 Increases Certain Business Taxes Bill Passed - House (26 - 13)
Jan. 30, 2014 DE SB 6 Increases the State Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2014 DE SB 6 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
June 27, 2013 DE HB 88 Prohibits Certain Individuals with Mental Health Issues from Possessing Firearms Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 13)
June 27, 2013 DE HB 200 2013-2014 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
June 19, 2013 DE SB 97 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
June 18, 2013 DE SB 97 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
May 7, 2013 DE HB 75 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
May 2, 2013 DE SB 16 Requires Gun Owners to Report Missing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
April 30, 2013 DE SB 21 Requires the Governor to Appoint Labor Union Representatives to a State Benefits Committee Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
April 23, 2013 DE HB 75 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
April 18, 2013 DE HB 35 Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
March 28, 2013 DE HB 35 Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
March 26, 2013 DE SB 19 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
June 27, 2012 DE HB 333 Authorizes Online Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
June 19, 2012 DE SB 205 Requires Manufactured Home Community Owners to Explain Rent Increases Bill Failed - House (14 - 22)
June 13, 2012 DE SB 204 Extends the Gun Buy-back Program Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 13)
June 12, 2012 DE HB 333 Authorizes Online Gambling Bill Passed - House (29 - 8)
May 17, 2012 DE SB 185 Requires Lobbyists to Report Their Activities in the Legislature Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
May 10, 2012 DE SB 205 Requires Manufactured Home Community Owners to Explain Rent Increases Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
May 1, 2012 DE HB 289 Limits Payday Loans Bill Passed - House (26 - 7)
July 1, 2011 DE SB 65 Expansion of Criminal Nuisance Definition Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
July 1, 2011 DE SB 137 Specialty-Tier Prescription Drugs Bill Passed - House (28 - 13)
June 30, 2011 DE HB 95 Motorcycle Helmet Requirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (28 - 11)
June 23, 2011 DE HB 95 Motorcycle Helmet Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
June 23, 2011 DE HB 100 Background Checks for Contractors on School Premises Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 5)
June 23, 2011 DE SB 129 Removes Protected Wildlife Designation from Coyotes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
June 22, 2011 DE SB 97 Approval of Rental Prices on Certain Housing Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 9)
May 11, 2011 DE SB 17 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
May 5, 2011 DE SB 17 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
April 14, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
April 7, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
April 5, 2011 DE HB 19 Reduce Punishment for Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
March 31, 2011 DE SB 17 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
March 22, 2011 DE HB 47 State Inspections of Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - House (27 - 12)
March 15, 2011 DE HA 1 Reduced Punishment for Drug Possession Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 17)
June 23, 2010 DE HB 317 Home Solicitation Regulations Concurrence Vote Failed - House (22 - 15)
May 11, 2010 DE SB 234 Universal Recycling and Beverage Containers Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
April 27, 2010 DE HB 347 Raising the Reporting Age for Misdemeanors by Students Bill Passed - House (22 - 9)
March 25, 2010 DE HB 317 Home Solicitation Regulations Bill Passed - House (28 - 11)
Jan. 28, 2010 DE HB 310 Legalizing Table Games Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
Jan. 21, 2010 DE HB 310 Legalizing Table Games Bill Passed - House (27 - 5)
July 1, 2009 DE HB 290 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
June 30, 2009 DE HB 290 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
June 30, 2009 DE HB 210 Liquor License Fee Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 3)
June 30, 2009 DE HB 211 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
June 30, 2009 DE HB 291 Estate Tax Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
June 29, 2009 DE HB 212 Alcohol Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (22 - 19)
June 29, 2009 DE HB 291 Estate Tax Bill Passed - House (25 - 16)
June 29, 2009 DE HB 211 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (25 - 15)
June 29, 2009 DE HB 210 Liquor License Fee Bill Passed - House (25 - 16)
June 29, 2009 DE SB 169 Health Clinic Access Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 3)
June 24, 2009 DE HB 198 National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (23 - 12)
June 24, 2009 DE SB 121 Adding Sexual Orientation to Delaware Anti-Discriminatory Laws Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
June 24, 2009 DE SB 121 Adding Sexual Orientation to Delaware Anti-Discriminatory Laws Bill Passed - House (26 - 14)
June 9, 2009 DE HB 117 School Board Elections Bill Passed - House (23 - 17)
June 4, 2009 DE SB 121 Adding Sexual Orientation to Delaware Anti-Discriminatory Laws
May 12, 2009 DE HB 100 Reestablishing a Sports Lottery Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 2)
May 8, 2009 DE HB 100 Reestablishing a Sports Lottery Bill Passed - House (30 - 4)
April 2, 2009 DE HB 107 Manufactured Housing Rental Regulations Bill Passed - House (22 - 16)
July 1, 2008 DE HB 518 Alcohol Tax Increase Bill Failed - Senate (7 - 14)
July 1, 2008 DE SB 300 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
July 1, 2008 DE SB 300 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - House (33 - 7)
June 26, 2008 DE HB 518 Alcohol Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (25 - 16)
June 18, 2008 DE SB 280 Minimum Wage Increase for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
June 11, 2008 DE SB 263 Greenhouse Gas Caps Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
May 15, 2008 DE HB 190 Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (28 - 10)
April 23, 2008 DE SB 195 Election Day Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
March 11, 2008 DE SB 195 Election Day Alcohol Sales Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
June 29, 2007 DE SB 36 State Employee Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - House (26 - 10)
June 28, 2007 DE HA 1 Employee Paycheck Consent Amendment Rejected - House (15 - 23)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/20 HB 330 Increases Minimum Purchase Age for Firearms Bill Passed - House (24 - 16)
7/02 HB 279 Increases Rate of Realty Transfer Tax Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
7/02 HB 279 Increases Rate of Realty Transfer Tax Bill Passed - House (31 - 9)
6/29 HB 190 Authorizes Commercial Activity in State-Designated Coastal Zones Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 2)
6/29 HB 249 Authorizes Fantasy Sports Betting Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
6/20 HB 190 Authorizes Commercial Activity in State-Designated Coastal Zones Bill Passed - House (34 - 7)
6/06 SB 5 Authorizes Abortions Before the Point of Viability Bill Passed - House (22 - 16)
5/18 SB 24 Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
5/16 SB 24 Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 1)
5/09 HB 125 Authorizes Capital Punishment Bill Passed - House (26 - 16)
5/09 SB 5 Authorizes Abortions Before the Point of Viability Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 7)
4/05 SB 27 Establishes Bipartisan Commission for Drawing Legislative Districts Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 7)
4/21 HB 325 Amends Requirements for Purchasing a Firearm Bill Passed - House (22 - 17)
1/28 SB 40 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Failed - House (16 - 23)
6/30 SB 59 Authorizes an Undocumented Immigrant to Apply For and Obtain Valid Driving Privileges Bill Passed - House (22 - 15)
6/18 HB 39 Decriminalizes Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
6/17 HB 50 Authorizes Parents to Opt Children Out of Standardized Tests Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
6/16 HB 115 Authorizes Individuals to Change Name Based on Gender-Related Identity Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 5)
6/02 HB 39 Decriminalizes Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana Bill Passed - House (24 - 14)
5/12 SB 75 Prohibits Stock Corporations from Establishing Fee-Shifting Bylaws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
4/02 SB 40 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
7/01 SB 220 Appropriates Funds for State Casino Relief Bill Passed - House (27 - 10)
6/26 HB 13 Prohibits Lawmakers from Becoming Lobbyists for 1 Year After Leaving Office Concurrence Vote Passed - House (33 - 7)
6/26 SB 36 Authorizes Judges to Hold Suspects of Violent Felonies without Bail Amendment Adopted - House (29 - 12)
6/25 SB 36 Authorizes Judges to Hold Suspects of Violent Felonies without Bail Amendment Rejected - House (24 - 15)
6/25 SB 220 Appropriates Funds for State Casino Relief Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
6/03 SB 209 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Passed - House (24 - 13)
5/08 SB 209 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
4/10 HB 265 Increases Certain Business Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
4/03 HB 265 Increases Certain Business Taxes Bill Passed - House (26 - 13)
1/30 SB 6 Increases the State Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
1/30 SB 6 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
6/27 HB 88 Prohibits Certain Individuals with Mental Health Issues from Possessing Firearms Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 13)
6/27 HB 200 2013-2014 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
6/19 SB 97 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
6/18 SB 97 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
5/07 HB 75 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
5/02 SB 16 Requires Gun Owners to Report Missing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
4/30 SB 21 Requires the Governor to Appoint Labor Union Representatives to a State Benefits Committee Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
4/23 HB 75 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
4/18 HB 35 Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
3/28 HB 35 Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
3/26 SB 19 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
6/27 HB 333 Authorizes Online Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
6/19 SB 205 Requires Manufactured Home Community Owners to Explain Rent Increases Bill Failed - House (14 - 22)
6/13 SB 204 Extends the Gun Buy-back Program Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 13)
6/12 HB 333 Authorizes Online Gambling Bill Passed - House (29 - 8)
5/17 SB 185 Requires Lobbyists to Report Their Activities in the Legislature Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
5/10 SB 205 Requires Manufactured Home Community Owners to Explain Rent Increases Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
5/01 HB 289 Limits Payday Loans Bill Passed - House (26 - 7)
7/01 SB 65 Expansion of Criminal Nuisance Definition Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
7/01 SB 137 Specialty-Tier Prescription Drugs Bill Passed - House (28 - 13)
6/30 HB 95 Motorcycle Helmet Requirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (28 - 11)
6/23 HB 95 Motorcycle Helmet Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
6/23 HB 100 Background Checks for Contractors on School Premises Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 5)
6/23 SB 129 Removes Protected Wildlife Designation from Coyotes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
6/22 SB 97 Approval of Rental Prices on Certain Housing Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 9)
5/11 SB 17 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
5/05 SB 17 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
4/14 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
4/07 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
4/05 HB 19 Reduce Punishment for Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
3/31 SB 17 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
3/22 HB 47 State Inspections of Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - House (27 - 12)
3/15 HA 1 Reduced Punishment for Drug Possession Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 17)
6/23 HB 317 Home Solicitation Regulations Concurrence Vote Failed - House (22 - 15)
5/11 SB 234 Universal Recycling and Beverage Containers Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
4/27 HB 347 Raising the Reporting Age for Misdemeanors by Students Bill Passed - House (22 - 9)
3/25 HB 317 Home Solicitation Regulations Bill Passed - House (28 - 11)
1/28 HB 310 Legalizing Table Games Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
1/21 HB 310 Legalizing Table Games Bill Passed - House (27 - 5)
7/01 HB 290 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
6/30 HB 290 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
6/30 HB 210 Liquor License Fee Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 3)
6/30 HB 211 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
6/30 HB 291 Estate Tax Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
6/29 HB 212 Alcohol Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (22 - 19)
6/29 HB 291 Estate Tax Bill Passed - House (25 - 16)
6/29 HB 211 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (25 - 15)
6/29 HB 210 Liquor License Fee Bill Passed - House (25 - 16)
6/29 SB 169 Health Clinic Access Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 3)
6/24 HB 198 National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (23 - 12)
6/24 SB 121 Adding Sexual Orientation to Delaware Anti-Discriminatory Laws Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
6/24 SB 121 Adding Sexual Orientation to Delaware Anti-Discriminatory Laws Bill Passed - House (26 - 14)
6/09 HB 117 School Board Elections Bill Passed - House (23 - 17)
6/04 SB 121 Adding Sexual Orientation to Delaware Anti-Discriminatory Laws
5/12 HB 100 Reestablishing a Sports Lottery Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 2)
5/08 HB 100 Reestablishing a Sports Lottery Bill Passed - House (30 - 4)
4/02 HB 107 Manufactured Housing Rental Regulations Bill Passed - House (22 - 16)
7/01 HB 518 Alcohol Tax Increase Bill Failed - Senate (7 - 14)
7/01 SB 300 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
7/01 SB 300 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - House (33 - 7)
6/26 HB 518 Alcohol Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (25 - 16)
6/18 SB 280 Minimum Wage Increase for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
6/11 SB 263 Greenhouse Gas Caps Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
5/15 HB 190 Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (28 - 10)
4/23 SB 195 Election Day Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
3/11 SB 195 Election Day Alcohol Sales Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
6/29 SB 36 State Employee Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - House (26 - 10)
6/28 HA 1 Employee Paycheck Consent Amendment Rejected - House (15 - 23)

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