As Idaho lawmakers convene for the 2026 legislative session, a new statewide poll shows voters are generally optimistic about the state’s direction but want policymakers to focus on transparency, tax relief, and regulatory reform rather than expanding government.
The 2026 Idaho Poll, released on January 12 by the Mountain States Policy Center, surveyed 600 registered Idaho voters and provides a clear snapshot of public priorities heading into the session.
Idahoans are telling lawmakers they like the state’s trajectory, but they want reforms that improve accountability, affordability, and opportunity. This poll helps citizens and policymakers prioritize the policies that matter most as the session begins.
Key findings include:
- A reform-minded electorate: Nearly half of voters say Idaho is headed in the right direction, but a majority believe reducing regulations and improving the business environment would do more to improve the state than expanding government programs.
- Overwhelming support for transparency: Large majorities support measures requiring advance public notice of legislative hearings, clearer disclosure of gas taxes at the pump, and stronger transparency requirements for public school spending.
- Strong appetite for tax relief and guardrails: Voters favor automatic income tax reduction triggers when revenues exceed expectations and support requiring a legislative supermajority to raise taxes. Property and income taxes top the list of taxes voters would most like to see reduced.
- Education concerns paired with accountability: Most voters rate Idaho public schools as fair or poor and support policies that expand parental options and improve transparency, rather than simply increasing spending.
- Housing affordability as a top concern: An overwhelming majority views housing affordability as a serious problem, with broad support for regulatory reforms such as allowing accessory dwelling units and speeding up permitting approvals.
- Stable approval of state leaders: Idaho’s governor, legislature, and U.S. senators maintain net-positive approval ratings, signaling an electorate open to constructive policy leadership.
The poll was conducted online by RMG Research from January 2–9, 2026, and has a margin of error of ±3.9 percentage points.
The takeaway is clear. Idahoans want lawmakers to focus on transparency, affordability, and removing barriers that make it harder for families and businesses to succeed.
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