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Rise violent Crime

Crime and public safety expectations

National predictors for 2026 show many Americans expect crime rates to rise, and crime policy is one area where Republicans hold a polling advantage over Democrats. Public safety remains a midterm-relevant concern alongside the economy and immigration. Illinois communities weigh enforcement, prevention, and justice-system approaches amid those national trends.

What should Illinois emphasize to address crime and public safety concerns?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Gallup — https://news.gallup.com/poll/700448/americans-predict-challenging-2026-across-dimensions.aspx
Clear majorities also expect rising unemployment, taxes, prices and crime rates, along with declining American power in the world.
Pew Research Center — https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/07/23/as-the-2026-midterms-approach-economy-is-front-and-center
Crime policy | 29 | 43 | 25 | R+14
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Invest primarily in prevention, diversion, mental health, and reentry over more incarceration
  2. Pair targeted policing of violent crime with expanded social services and reform
  3. Maintain current mixed enforcement and community programs without major shifts
  4. Increase police staffing and prosecution of violent and repeat offenders first
  5. Adopt stricter sentencing and maximize law-enforcement authority statewide