Understanding the 2026 Proposed ESA Ballot Measures in Arizona
Every student deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in postsecondary education, training, and the workforce.
As Arizona voters prepare for the 2026 election, two different ballot measures are working to gather the approximately 255,000 signatures required to bring accountability to the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA or voucher) program.
What Are ESAs?
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program allows families to use public education dollars for approved educational expenses outside of traditional public schools, including private school tuition, tutoring, and instructional materials.
The program has grown rapidly in recent years, now serving roughly 100,000 students and pacing to cost Arizona taxpayers over $1 billion annually. With that growth has come increased attention to how funds are used, how the program is monitored, and whether students are achieving meaningful outcomes.
Comparing the Two 2026 ESA Ballot Measures
Two competing measures are trying to qualify for the 2026 ballot. While both address the ESA program, they take different approaches to eligibility, oversight, and program structure.
The first measure that was filed, the Protect Education Act, is supported by the Arizona Education Association and Save Our Schools AZ, a grassroots organization focused on strengthening and protecting Arizona’s public education system. The group advocates for increased funding, transparency, and policies that prioritize neighborhood public schools. The Arizona Education Association is the statewide professional association and labor union representing public school educators and education support professionals. It works to advance public education, improve working conditions for educators, and advocate for student success.
The second measure, the ESA Reform & Accountability Act, is backed by Fortify AZ which is a Political Action Committee created shortly after the filing of the Protect Education Act. It is backed by the American Federation for Children, a national organization which receives money from the DeVos family to promote school choice policies, including vouchers and education savings accounts. It supports candidates and initiatives aimed at expanding educational options beyond traditional public schools.
| Understanding Ballot Measure Options: | Protect Education Act | ESA Reform & Accountability Act |
|---|---|---|
| Income cap for eligibility (≈$150K) | Yes | No |
| Fingerprint/background checks for providers | Yes | Yes |
| Academic oversight/testing requirements | Yes | Limited |
| State oversight of ESA vendors/schools | Yes | Limited |
| Restrictions on allowable spending (no luxury items) | Yes | Yes |
| Fraud investigation requirements | Yes | Yes |
| Return unused funds to public schools | Yes | No |
| Caps or controls on growth/costs | Yes (via eligibility limits) | No |
| Focus on reducing state budget impact | Yes | No |
| Sponsors: | Arizona Education Association and Save Our Schools AZ | Fortify AZ and American Federation for Children |
Accountability is not just about finances—it is about results for students.
All students, regardless of how they receive their education, should graduate high school with:
- Demonstrated academic knowledge and skills
- Preparation for postsecondary education or training
- Readiness for the workforce
When outcomes are not measured or reported, as is the case in the current program, it is difficult to determine whether students are gaining the skills they need to succeed. Setting strong expectations for student learning is essential to building a system that truly delivers opportunity and maximizes results – which is what Arizona taxpayers want.
Recent polling conducted by Education Forward Arizona underscores just how strongly Arizona voters share this belief. A clear majority of voters support policies that ensure strong accountability, transparency, and effective use of education funding, alongside a broader emphasis on preparing students for college and careers. This reflects a consistent theme in voter attitudes: Arizonans want an education system focused on preparing students for high-skill, high-demand, high-wage careers along with accountability around where taxpayer dollars are spent. In fact, the majority of Arizonans polled, regardless of political party, support increased accountability and guardrails for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. Because of this, Education Forward Arizona has included ESA accountability as one of the advocacy priorities for this year.
Arizona’s economy depends on a well-prepared workforce. Education investments should support that goal by helping more students earn meaningful credentials and enter high-demand careers. Education Forward Arizona encourages voters to research each ballot measure gathering signatures. One thing is clear: We must ensure students across the state are ready for life after high school and that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.