Both houses of the state Legislature have taken important steps toward letting citizens know how they vote. In January, the House and the Senate approved legislation requiring lawmakers to vote on more issues by roll call instead of by voice only.

The House is now considering a proposal that would improve the rules.

Rep. Nikki Haley, R-Lexington, who championed the initial reform legislation, said it does a good job by expanding the criteria for roll-call votes to include second readings (where debate often occurs) and, when amended, third readings; conference committees; and every section of the budget. Minor legislation like resolutions, recognitions and congratulatory acts is exempt.

But Ms. Haley is pushing for one more thing. She says uncontested bills also need to be voted on by roll call.

Here’s an example of why. She said the House was voting on a literacy program that would cost the state $400,000. She requested a roll-call vote, but the speaker didn’t hear her request. The vote passed. Afterward, her request was recognized, and the vote was redone as a roll-call vote, which failed. Apparently representatives were comfortable voting for the program when they weren’t named, but not when they were identified as voting for a program that would add to the budget.

Opponents of roll-call voting have cited three concerns: time, money and effectiveness. Ms. Haley said that roll-call voting since January has not taken additional time, has not cost additional money and has proved very worthwhile.

As controversy swirls in Columbia regarding the budget, cutbacks and stimulus money, it is more important than ever for lawmakers to take responsibility for the way they vote.

The public has every right to know how the Legislature conducts the public’s business.