As we approach midterm election season, some are foreseeing education voters becoming the new “swing” voters. The National Alliance of Public Charter Schools reports that in a recent national survey of more than 5,000 guardians of school-aged children, education has taken on renewed importance when it comes to voting. The survey found that many families who are members of both major political parties want more charter schools in their areas, and would even cross party lines when voting if it meant supporting certain education policies. 

As for the “why” behind these numbers, many have speculated that when families got a front row seat to their child’s education during the pandemic, they grew inspired to change things. School closures, safety issues, and ongoing debates about approaches to subjects like diversity and history have also stoked the flame of familial concern. With the midterm election including state school board positions along with races for governor and legislators, the election’s outcome will have a direct effect on schools and what happens in the classroom. 

All signs point toward growing support for charter schools, as further evidenced in CCSA’s recent survey.  Jeffrey R. Henig, a Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, called this shift a “major movement” toward charter schools in a recent interview, where he also stressed the number of issues facing education voters this election. 

While education is always on the ballot, it is likely to feel more important this year than ever—and is a great reason to get to the polls. You can learn more at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools “Be an Education Voter” Portal. 

For a more in-depth discussion of NAPC’s survey results, watch the Numbers Don’t Lie panel from the 2022 National Charter Schools Conference, recorded on June 21, 2022.