To refer to the committee on privileges and elections, S.J.RES. 91, proposing a constitutional amendment permitting the election of senators by a direct vote of

On May 23, 1908, the Senate voted 33–20 (SJR 91). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 30–12, Democrats 4–9. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 16 members voted against their own party.

During the 60th Congress (1907–1908), Theodore Roosevelt was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 33
No: 20
Did not vote: 40
Date: May 23, 1908

By party

Democrats4 yes · 9 no · 19 didn’t vote
Republicans30 yes · 12 no · 21 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

John Hollis Bankhead D-AL voted yes
George Clement Perkins R-CA voted no
Augustus Octavius Bacon D-GA voted yes
William Edgar Borah R-ID voted no
Albert Jeremiah Beveridge R-IN voted no
Murphy James Foster D-LA voted yes
John Walter Smith D-MD voted yes
William Alden Smith R-MI voted no
Moses Edwin Clapp R-MN voted no
Joseph Moore Dixon R-MT voted no
Norris Brown R-NE voted no
Charles William Fulton R-OR voted no
Levi Ankeny R-WA voted no
Samuel Henry Piles R-WA voted no
Isaac Stephenson R-WI voted no
Robert Marion La Follette R-WI voted no

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To refer to the committee on privileges and…: Senate Vote, May 23…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/60-S-39/to-refer-to-the-committee-on-privileges-and-elections (accessed 2026-10-17).