How Homeschoolers Should Vote

Hello fellow homeschoolers!

We’re less than a month away from the biggest election of our lives…

Homeschoolers should think deeply about which candidates align with their values and the future of education. As homeschoolers, we have unique concerns that often don't get the attention they deserve, but our votes can have a powerful impact. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision on who to support in the upcoming election:

Support for Parental Rights

Homeschooling is grounded in the belief that parents have the fundamental right to direct their children's education. Candidates who champion parental rights over government-mandated educational standards are crucial. Look for politicians who advocate for minimal interference in homeschooling, offering flexibility and trust in parental judgment. This might include support for educational choice programs, vouchers, and tax credits that empower parents.

Educational Freedom

Homeschoolers thrive on the freedom to explore different teaching methods and curriculum choices. Elect candidates who value educational freedom and are willing to fight against one-size-fits-all public school models that may impose curriculum mandates on homeschoolers. Ask whether a candidate believes in loosening regulations around homeschooling, as well as expanding access to public resources without adding undue restrictions.

Smaller Government, Lower Taxes

Many homeschool families support smaller government because they often shoulder the cost of education themselves while also paying taxes that support public schools. Look for candidates who aim to lower taxes, cut excessive spending, and allow families to keep more of their hard-earned money. Homeschoolers are often entrepreneurial and self-reliant, so candidates promoting a pro-business, pro-family agenda are often a good fit.

Religious Liberty

Many homeschoolers choose this educational path for religious reasons, wanting to instill biblical values into their children's education. If faith is important to you, be sure to support candidates who protect religious liberty and fight against policies that could limit your ability to homeschool based on faith-based principles.

Health and Family Policies

While education is key, homeschoolers should also be mindful of health and family policies. Many homeschooling families value the freedom to make health decisions for their children without government mandates, such as mandatory vaccinations for homeschoolers or medical decisions being dictated by the state. Choose candidates who respect family autonomy in these areas.

Community and Homeschool Support

Look for candidates who have shown a track record of supporting homeschooling families in tangible ways. This might include creating laws that allow homeschoolers to participate in extracurricular activities or sports with public schools or ensuring that homeschool diplomas are recognized by colleges and employers. Leaders who value and understand the homeschooling community will make sure these kinds of supports are in place.

Pro-Freedom in Education Policy

Lastly, support candidates who are willing to address education policy with a pro-freedom stance. This could include support for charter schools, educational savings accounts (ESAs), or other school choice options that protect and expand homeschooling rights.

Conclusion: How Should Homeschoolers Vote?

As a homeschooler, your vote is your voice. Research your candidates carefully—don't rely solely on party labels, but dig into their platforms and voting records. Consider which candidates are most likely to support the rights of homeschoolers, protect parental authority, and advocate for educational freedom. Whether it's local, state, or national elections, make sure you vote for leaders who respect your decision to homeschool and will safeguard that right for generations to come.

In the upcoming election, it’s important for homeschoolers to consider the implications of candidates’ policies on educational freedom, parental rights, and family autonomy. When it comes to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, their policies have raised red flags for many homeschoolers, particularly those who value educational independence. On the other hand, Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have demonstrated a commitment to supporting parental rights and educational freedom, making them more aligned with the homeschooling community’s values.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz: A Threat to Educational Freedom?

Kamala Harris, as a member of the current administration, has supported policies that many view as a push toward increased government control over education. Her administration has promoted policies that could lead to more federal oversight of educational standards, potentially limiting the freedom of homeschoolers to tailor their children’s education based on their values and beliefs. Harris’s record includes support for comprehensive public schooling systems, with less emphasis on school choice or parental involvement in curriculum decisions. Her track record as Attorney General in California, where there was a push for more regulation on homeschoolers, has also caused concern among homeschooling advocates.

Tim Walz, the current governor of Minnesota, has similarly shown a tendency to align with teachers' unions and public school-centric policies. While he has implemented education reforms, many of his policies lean toward centralized control and increased funding for public schools rather than expanding educational choice. His administration has not prioritized homeschooling freedoms, and his focus on expanding government oversight could be a threat to those who want more flexibility and independence in education.

Both Harris and Walz seem to support larger government involvement in education, which for homeschoolers can mean increased regulation and diminished parental rights. For families who are committed to homeschooling because they value independence and the ability to shape their children’s education according to their own convictions, these candidates may not be ideal.

Donald Trump and J.D. Vance: Champions of Parental Rights and Educational Freedom

Donald Trump, during his presidency, consistently championed school choice and policies that reduce government overreach in education. His administration supported initiatives that empowered parents to make decisions about their children’s education, including expanding charter schools and educational savings accounts. Trump’s support for tax breaks for homeschooling families and his opposition to federal mandates that could impose restrictions on homeschoolers earned him strong support from the homeschooling community. He has also been a vocal advocate for religious liberty, which is a core issue for many homeschoolers who seek to integrate their faith into their children’s education.

J.D. Vance, a rising figure in American politics, has also positioned himself as a staunch supporter of educational freedom. As a homeschool father himself, he understands the importance of parental rights in education and the need to protect homeschooling from overregulation. Vance has openly criticized the growing influence of government bureaucracies in education and has championed policies that put more power in the hands of parents. He aligns with pro-family and pro-freedom values, making him an appealing candidate for homeschoolers who want to preserve their rights to educate their children as they see fit.

Both Trump and Vance have demonstrated a clear commitment to the principles that homeschoolers hold dear: parental authority, religious freedom, and educational independence. They support policies that keep the government out of the homeschooler’s home, ensuring that families maintain control over their children’s learning experiences.

Conclusion: Why the Choice is Clear for Homeschoolers

For homeschoolers, the stakes are high in the upcoming election. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz represent a vision of education that includes more government oversight and control, potentially limiting the freedoms that homeschoolers value. Their policies lean toward centralized education models that prioritize public schooling, potentially at the expense of homeschooling independence.

On the other hand, Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are champions of educational freedom, parental rights, and the homeschooling movement. They have a proven track record of standing up for parents' rights to choose how to educate their children, supporting policies that reduce government intervention and expand freedom of choice. For homeschool families who want to safeguard their ability to educate their children according to their beliefs, values, and convictions, Trump and Vance are the clear choice.

From one freedom-loving homeschooler to another,

-Teacher Alyssa

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Special Limited-Time Offer

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You can manage an unlimited number of children in one space. Customize subjects based on your children’s unique curriculum. Label each subject as “core” or “non-core” to ensure you are reaching the mandatory amount of hours for each category. Set yearly goals to help you see at a quick glance how many hours have been completed and how many still need to be reached.

To log hours, you will simply create a new activity. You can be as detailed or minimal in your record-keeping as you would like. You have the option to write a full description of the lesson, upload photos if you want, and label it under the subject category.

It’s accessible from any desktop or mobile device. You can update your settings to send a reminder to log hours via email or text.

Many of us have already started logging hours for the school year and would like to see those reflected in the new account without having to backlog everything… no problem! We have come up with a simple solution for that. Add Lump Sum Hours— While activities update stats automatically, use this form to backfill any hours already accrued for the year.

Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, feedback or suggestions for improvement while using it. Email me anytime at [email protected].