In national election results, voters overwhelmingly rejected vouchers

Last Tuesday, millions of Americans voted in the 2024 general election. Although we remain concerned about much of what the results foreshadow for the nation's public schools, voters of all political stripes did vote in favor of public education directly in several important ballot referendums. In three states, a mix of "red" and "blue," coalitions of rural and urban voters, and of Republicans and Democrats, came together to forcefully reject sending taxpayer dollars (intended for public schools) to private schools via a voucher program.

In Nebraska, voters repealed a state-funded scholarship program for private schools. A 2024 law, building on similar legislation from 2023, had designated $10 million annually for this program. Proponents argued that state funding would assist parents who were dissatisfied with public schools with affording private education instead. However, opposition emerged from rural and urban public school advocates, and the legislation was repealed with 57% of the vote.

In Kentucky, Amendment 2 proposed a constitutional amendment that would have permitted public funding for private education failed in every county statewide, with 65% of voters opposing Amendment 2. The measure had backing from Republican legislators but faced strong opposition from public school advocates and Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. Beshear said the result reflects a message from voters to prioritize funding for the state's public schools.

Finally, Colorado's Amendment 80 aimed to embed school choice in the state constitution. The amendment, which was defeated by 52% of voters, proposed language stating that every "K-12 child has the right to school choice" and that "parents have the right to direct their children's education." The measure specified that "school choice" would encompass neighborhood schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, open enrollment options, and future educational innovations.

In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have double-downed on their intentions to force vouchers through the Legislature next year. Still, the record is clear: vouchers aren't popular, and the overwhelming majority of people oppose them.