Campaign to refer Oregon gas tax, fee hikes to 2026 ballot say they’ve gathered close to twice the needed signatures
KTVZ
(Adding Video and quotes from local volunteers)
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The organizers of an Oregon initiative campaign to refer to voters the recent package of gas tax and vehicle fee increases to fill ODOT’s funding gap said Tuesday they already have gathered nearly twice the number of required signatures, but aren’t pausing their campaign.
According to the group No Tax Oregon, as of midday Tuesday, the estimated number of signatures collected was well above 150,000, a little over a week since the effort began. They have until Dec. 30 to gather 78,116 verified voter signatures for verification by the secretary of state and meet the referendum requirements for the November 2026 election.
On Saturday alone, the group said volunteers collected more than 25,000 signatures during the Sign Across Oregon event. Combining Sunday’s total, this marks the second weekend in a row that more than 40,000 signatures were gathered.
KTVZ spoke to Ceta Kelly, a volunteer at one of the petition sites, who’s outspoken about the bill.
“I don’t want to pay double registration. I’m on a fixed income like most people here. It’s a retirement community” Kelly told KTVZ. “it’s a bipartisan issue. Everybody. Everybody in Oregon should be signing this thing and let it go to to a vote. So we can let them know, get your money somewhere else.”
Shelly, another volunteer, told KTVZ News, “”I think as people of Oregon, we want our voices heard and we feel like they completely ignored their voice. So that’s why we’re out here”
State Representative Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, one of the three chief petitioners on the referendum, emphasized in Tuesday’s news release the unprecedented nature of the effort:
“We are making Oregon history. This is the largest volunteer signature effort the state has seen in years—possibly ever. People aren’t just willing to sign; they’re seeking us out. Oregonians want the right to vote on these taxes and fees, and they know Salem is not representing their interests.
“They voiced their opposition repeatedly through the regular session and again during the emergency session, but the Governor and the Democrat majority ignored them and rammed this bill through anyway. At some point, the people have to rise up and say ‘no more,’ and that’s exactly what we’re seeing with this movement,” Diehl said.
In talking about the policy implications, Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, also a chief petitioner, commented on the negotiation process and the need to come back to the table:
“Republicans offered real alternatives that maintained our roads and bridges without massive new taxes. We stand with Oregonians who want the opportunity to vote on the governor’s gas tax increase. Oregonians want state government to prioritize tax dollars, not just always ask for more.”
On the impact of the gas tax on ordinary Oregonians, Co-Chief Petitioner Jason Williams of the Taxpayers Association of Oregon said:
“The overwhelming response to this petition is a result of the fact that Oregonians know that the cost of this tax is too much. Many families will be paying $300 to $600 more in higher costs because of this enormous tax increase. Seniors on a limited income and the unemployed will be hit with a cost that they cannot afford.”
No Tax Oregon said it “will continue to gather signatures for the foreseeable future and expects to at least double its initial goal of 100,000 signatures.”
The legislation that goes into effect Dec. 31 includes a 6 cent hike in the 40-cent a gallon state gas tax, as well as higher payroll tax, vehicle registration and title fees, and a new charge for electric vehicles. It is expected to bring in $4.3 billion over the next decade. Supporters said the funds are needed to avert major layoffs at ODOT and sharp cuts in services such as winter road plowing.