Insights | February 26, 2026

Mon⁠t⁠ana Vo⁠t⁠ers Wan⁠t⁠ More Educa⁠t⁠⁠i⁠on Freedom 

By: Scott Foster

Scott Foster

Insights

February 26, 2026

Montana voters believe the K-12 system is on the wrong track and want lawmakers to increase education freedom options in the state. They support expanding the tax-credit scholarship program so all families who would like to participate can, and they support a new individual tax credit for families to use to help educate a child. By large margins, voters would be more likely to vote for their elected representatives if they supported giving families more options and control over their educations.

WHAT VOTERS WANT RIGHT NOW 

An Uncapped Tax-Credit Scholarship Program  

Voters do not want a cap on credits limiting families from accessing this program. A majority across Montana support expanding the program so all interested families can participate.  

  • 50% view the program favorably, double the number who view it unfavorably. 
  • 59% support expanding the program so all can participate; only 25% oppose. 
  • 52% would be more likely to vote for their state legislator if they supported expansion. 

An Individual Education Tax Credit

Montana voters want an expanded tax-credit scholarship program, and they want the state to implement a new education tax credit for K-12 families.  

  • 59% support a $5,000 tax credit for families to utilize to educate a child, only 28% oppose. 
  • 71% of K-12 parents are interested in using a tax credit with one of their children. 
  • 52% would be more likely to vote for their state legislator if they supported a new tax credit in Montana. 

Montana to Keep Pace with Other States

Universal education freedom programs are the standard, not the exception. As Idaho, Wyoming, and other states adopt universal programs, a majority of Montanans want lawmakers to keep pushing bold education policy forward

More Parental Agency and Control

Voters across the state wholeheartedly believe families make better decisions for themselves than government.  

  • 78% support parents choosing the best school for their child. 
  • 71% would support a program that expands family control and reduces taxpayer spending. 

Methodology: January 23-26, 2026 | N=500 registered voters | mOe = +/- 4.38% | 85% ttw, 15% online