Oregon — With signature gathering accelerating at a pace rarely seen in recent Oregon ballot efforts, No Tax Oregon released updated totals today, reporting over 150,000 signatures for its referendum to overturn the state’s $4.3 billion transportation tax package. Organizers say early activity following the launch had exceeded expectations, with volunteer signing sites expanding daily and several counties reporting “unprecedented levels” of public turnout.
The upcoming announcement follows a major weekend surge. On Monday, Rep. Ed Diehl reported that 43,000 signatures had been collected in just three days, even before several rural counties submitted their counts.
They did tell us it could not be done. And I say ‘they,’ I mean everyone said this was not possible in 9 days, much less 10 days.”
~ Rep. Ed Diehl
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The referendum effort began only after petition sheets were approved late Wednesday evening, compressing logistics and forcing organizers to activate earlier than expected. Diehl noted that petition orders went out statewide Thursday, with some counties receiving materials the same day and gathering signatures immediately.
The campaign has also gained increased visibility thanks to public support from Republican gubernatorial candidates Danielle Bethell and Christine Drazan, both of whom have been urging voters to sign and calling the tax package burdensome for working families. Their involvement has drawn additional attention as the signing drive spreads into new communities.
Gov. Tina Kotek signed the tax package late on a Friday but did not publicly disclose the signing until the following Monday, a timing decision critics say effectively shortened the constitutionally guaranteed 90-day window for opponents to respond. The law raises the gas tax by six cents, increases title and registration fees, and enacts a 0.1% statewide payroll tax for transit services.
Kotek has defended the law as essential to maintaining and staffing Oregon’s transportation system, telling KVAL News it is needed “to keep state highways and local roads safe and open to traffic while preserving transit service and halting the pending layoffs of essential transportation staff.”
Since petition sheets became available, volunteers have reported lines not only in the Willamette Valley but also in southern, eastern, and coastal counties. Organizers say rural participation is accelerating as more shipments of petition sheets reach outlying areas.
Signing locations continue to be posted across multiple platforms, including NoTaxOR.com, community pages, and local volunteer networks. Diehl said the team is now focused on sustaining momentum while maintaining accuracy in signature verification and return tracking.
To qualify for the ballot, signatures must be submitted and validated by Dec. 30, placing the measure on the November 2026 statewide ballot.
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