October 18, 2022—Ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, the National Parents Union today released a new poll of registered voters who are also parents of K-12 students across the country. The survey found that 82% of respondents are highly likely to vote in this year’s midterm elections and 59% are more motivated to vote in 2022 than in past midterms.
The reason? The economy.
More than half (53%) said the economy is the most important issue in deciding how to vote and 55% said they would only vote for a candidate who shares their views on inflation and cost of living. Democrats hold a slight edge over Republicans when looking at which party the parents trust more on the economy (39% to 36%).
The focus on the economy also tracks with what issues parents say are affecting their families:
“Parents are mad, and parents are motivated,” said Keri Rodrigues, co-founder and President of the National Parents Union. “If you’re a politician campaigning to earn the vote of parents, who are getting crushed by inflation, listen to what they’re saying: it’s the economy, stupid. As the most sought after voting bloc this election season, parents wield enormous power and for good reason. We’re coming out to the polls in droves to make our voices heard and will only be voting for those that put families first.”
On Education
In the new poll, parents also weighed in on issues related to K-12 education. Just 32% of parents say they have heard “a lot” about Congressional candidate’s stance on public education compared to abortion (61%) and inflation (60%). Meanwhile, 38% of parents responded that they would only vote for a candidate who shares their view on the issue of K-12 education. Democrats hold a sizable lead over Republicans when looking at which party parents trust more on education (41% to 29%).
Parents also expressed concerns about education issues as 67% are extremely/very concerned about how schools are addressing the threat of violence and 63% share the same level of concern on how schools are addressing the mental health needs of students.
Ariel Smith, Senior Director of the National Parents Union Policy & Action Center, said, “We cannot expect students to accelerate learning when the school environment they are sitting in is not conducive to doing so. It’s no surprise that parents remain very concerned about violence and students’ mental health needs when schools and leaders have been derelict in their duty to address these pressing issues.”
Approval Ratings & Generic Ballot
Field Dates: October 1-3, 2022
1,022 registered voters nationwide who are parents or guardians of K-12 students
Click here for Toplines
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARENTS UNION
The National Parents Union is a network of highly effective parent organizations and grassroots activists across the country that is united behind a set of common goals and principles to channel the power of parents. Our family advocates improve the quality of life for children across the United States and define the education conversation. Learn more at: https://nationalparentsunion.org/