HELENA, Mont. -- Cigarette use continues to take a heavy toll in Montana, claiming about 1,600 lives each year. Against this backdrop, a new statewide poll finds broad support across political parties for proven policies that can prevent tobacco use and save lives.
The poll shows 77% of Montana voters support a $2-per-pack cigarette tax increase and 70% support ending the sale of flavored tobacco products. The poll was released Thursday by the Montana Kids vs. Big Tobacco coalition and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (TFK).
Among the findings, 59% of voters said they strongly support the $2-per-pack cigarette tax increase.
“Montanans want policies that protect their communities and give kids a healthier future,” said Jackie Semmens, American Heart Association’s Montana government relations director. “Increasing tobacco and nicotine taxes is one of the clearest ways to improve health and save lives because higher prices reduce tobacco use, especially among young people who are most sensitive to cost.”
Taxes on cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other nicotine products were the only options strongly favored by a majority of Montana voters. Overall, 77% favored a tobacco and nicotine tax increase, compared with 22% support for raising gas taxes and 23% support for establishing a statewide sales tax.
Support for the cigarette tax increase remained high across party lines, earning support from 76% of Republicans, 85% of Democrats and 69% of Independents.
The poll also found 70% support for ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, including support from 70% of Republicans, 74% of Democrats and 64% of Independents.
“These findings show broad support for policies that can reduce tobacco use and keep nicotine products from reaching more young people,” said Heidi Low, regional advocacy director for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Recent data underscore the stakes in Montana. About 24.3% of high school students use e-cigarettes, compared with 16.8% nationally, and smoking claims about 1,600 lives in the state each year.
The statewide poll of 628 Montana voters was conducted March 9–16, 2026, by FM3 Research. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.