Oregon — Oregon Senate Republicans say Senate Bill 1599 should be considered effectively dead after missing a key February 25 deadline outlined by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division.
According to a January 27 memorandum from the Elections Division, any legislation rescheduling a state measure to the May 2026 primary election must include an emergency clause and be signed by the Governor no later than February 25, 2026. The memo states that doing so would allow sufficient time for the certified ballot title, financial estimate, explanatory statement, and arguments for and against the measure to be submitted by the March 12 statutory deadline.
The memo further recommends at least 10 business days for voters’ pamphlet argument submissions. Without meeting the February 25 signing deadline, timelines for public submissions would be compressed, potentially affecting participation in the state voters’ pamphlet process.
In a February 25 press release, Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R-Dundee) said the missed deadline jeopardizes “fair and equal opportunity” for Oregonians to participate if the transportation referendum is moved from the November 2026 general election to the May 2026 primary.
Republicans argue that proceeding after the recommended deadline could limit the ability of citizens to submit pamphlet statements without incurring the $1,200 filing fee and create administrative challenges for the Elections Division. They contend that compressing statutory timelines risks undermining established processes designed to ensure uniform ballot preparation and public engagement.
The Elections Division memo also notes that the state does not typically reimburse counties for costs related to ballot measures, leaving counties to absorb those expenses unless lawmakers appropriate funding.
Democratic lawmakers have previously stated that moving the vote to May would allow voters to weigh in sooner and provide clarity for transportation funding decisions. As of February 25, however, SB 1599 had not been signed into law.
Whether legislative leaders attempt to move forward despite the recommended deadline remains to be seen, as debate continues over election timing, administrative feasibility, and voter access.
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