Nearly two-thirds of Nevada voters would support raising the state’s tobacco tax, according to a new survey commissioned by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

The survey, conducted by Lake Research Partners and The Tarrance Group, comes as ACS CAN and other public health groups push state lawmakers to consider backing a tobacco tax hike. Nevada’s per-pack cigarette tax rate hasn’t been raised since 2015. Advocates argue raising the tax would increase revenue for the state while decreasing the number of smokers, particularly in young and low-income communities.

According to ACS CAN, 63% of likely voters in Nevada indicated they would support a tobacco tax increase whose revenue would be dedicated to programs that prevent tobacco use. 

The survey also found that 59% of likely voters in Nevada are either very (33%) or somewhat (26%) concerned about young people in the community using tobacco products.

ACS CAN Nevada Government Relations Director Jennifer Atlas said in a statement that the survey shows voters “want their lawmakers to pass a meaningful tobacco tax so future generations are protected from the health effects of using tobacco and those who are addicted to tobacco products can quit.”

Advocates made their tobacco tax hike pitch to an interim legislative committee focused on revenue last month. They are pushing to double the cigarette tax and raise the “other tobacco products” tax to keep taxes equitable. That committee is expected to select what bills it will back when it meets later this month.

Recent surveys in other states also found broad support for raising tobacco taxes.

The ACS CAN survey also found 85% of likely voters in Nevada believe it is extremely (53%) or very (33%) important that all Americans, no matter what health insurance they have, should have access to cancer screening and treatment that is close to home and affordable.

It also found that a vast majority — 91% — agreed with the sentiment that “families across the country are feeling squeezed by rising healthcare and insurance costs” and “leaders should focus on making care more affordable and protecting access to health services people depend on.”