Lincoln Poll: A majority of Illinoisans support the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
Over 1.9 million Illinois residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinion about joining the federal scholarship program in the March 17 primary

CHICAGO (Feb. 26, 2026) – According to the Illinois Policy Institute’s Lincoln Poll, nearly 55% of likely Illinois voters support the state opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program. The poll found significantly more voters supported the program than opposed it across all ages, races and political ideologies.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers have a deadline of Jan. 1, 2027, to opt into the federal scholarship program. Over 1.9 million Illinois residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on joining the program by voting on a ballot advisory question in the March 17 primary.

“The poll results show Illinois voters are increasingly upset about high taxes and affordability issues plaguing the state. Opting into the FSTC program would be a win-win-win for Illinois and offer real financial relief for struggling Illinoisans. Families and students would receive scholarships, it would provide a much-needed tax break for Illinoisans who donate, and it boosts academics at public schools, private schools and homeschools. Gov. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers would do well to listen to their constituents,” said Mailee Smith, vice president of policy and litigation at the Illinois Policy Institute.

The poll also found high taxes, the economy and state governance to be the leading issues for Illinois voters. Pritzker’s recent $56 billion budget proposal is the largest in state history, with more than $700 million in new revenue – $589 million of that in tax hikes.

The Lincoln Poll was conducted for the Illinois Policy Institute by M3 Strategies. The Illinois survey of 579 likely voters was conducted Feb. 9–11, with a margin of error of ±4.03 percentage points.

To learn more about the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, visit illin.is/FSTC.

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.