In May, 83% of Oregonians voted against Measure 120 with just 17% voting in favor. The final tally of votes showed 1,012,445 votes against and 207,031 votes in favor.
Opposition to the measure was statewide, with all 36 counties voting it down. The ballot measure would have allowed the fuel taxes, auto registration and title fees, and Oregon’s payroll transit taxes increases passed by the Democratic legislature to go into effect.
Presence of the ballot measure was credited with a spike in voting by voters unaffiliated with any political party. The final voter turnout was 41%.
Passed during the 2025 special legislative session, the plan would have raised $4.3 billion over ten years to pay for roads, bridges and transit projects.
Richard Emmons is the publisher and editor of the Oregon Eagle.