Oregon secretary of state sets deadlines to get transportation referendum on May ballot

SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — The Secretary of State’s Office has outlined the steps needed if Oregon lawmakers want the transportation funding referendum to be on the May ballot.

In a memo to lawmakers, the Secretary of State’s Office says if lawmakers pass a bill with an emergency clause to put the referendum up for vote, the governor needs to sign it by Feb. 25. After that, March 12 is the deadline for ballot title, financial estimates, the explanation of the measure, and arguments for and against it to be filed with the secretary of state.

Voting day is May 19.

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The legislative session opens Monday, Feb. 2, meaning lawmakers will need to move fast.

“We wanted them to have a clear understanding of what’s necessary for us and for our partners across the state, county elections offices to run a good election when the Legislature decides that they want that to happen,” Secretary of State Tobias Read said.

Leaders of the referendum originally intended for it to be voted on the November ballot. Their supporters are pushing back against a May vote. They are concerned about a lower voter turnout.

Democrats say they want to move the vote up so they can get clarity sooner on next steps needed to fund transportation.