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A majority of likely Maryland voters support universal access to pre-kindergarten programs, according to a survey commissioned by the Maryland Family Network.

The nonprofit organization found that 81 percent of likely voters in Maryland favor universal access to voluntary pre-kindergarten, and 73 percent say the state should continue to invest in pre-kindergarten, according to a news release.

The Maryland Family Network has supported pre-kindergarten, citing benefits especially among poor and minority students.

In Montgomery County, about 5,000 students are enrolled in pre-kindergarten, said Lesli Maxwell, a school system spokeswoman.

She said the district was unfamiliar with the survey and would not comment on it. The district's pre-kindergarten program is open only to low-income students and those with special needs, she said.

The poll was conducted in mid-July by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies, based in Annapolis.