Volunteers are collecting signatures across Lincoln County this week to support a statewide referendum aimed at pausing recent increases to Oregon’s gas tax, vehicle registration fees and payroll taxes until voters can decide in November 2026.

The effort, part of the broader No Tax Oregon campaign, seeks to refer portions of House Bill 3991 — a transportation funding package signed into law earlier this year — to the ballot. If successful, the tax and fee hikes scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 would be delayed pending voter approval.

NoTaxORLincolnCounty, a grassroots group focused on tax and fiscal issues, describes its mission as empowering residents to have a voice in decisions affecting their wallets and community. The organization monitors tax legislation, educates on financial impacts and organizes petition drives to promote local control.

County Captain Renee Banes spoke with the Beacon Wednesday. “This puts it on the ballot where it belongs, for we the people to vote on.”

Banes went on to say Oregon has one of the strongest referendum systems in the country because of the Oregon Constitution (Article IV, Section1). Citizens can force a public vote on any bill passed by the Legislature by gathering signatures for a veto referendum. If successful, the law is paused and voters decide whether to uphold or reject it.

 “Taxpayers should have a voice in decisions that affect our wallets and our community,” the group states on its website. It highlights burdens from statewide increases on gas, vehicle fees and payroll taxes, emphasizing the need for resident input.

Signature gathering in Lincoln County is concentrated this week:

Lincoln City

• Wednesday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Barefoot at the Beach
• Wednesday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.: 1644 N.E. HWY 101
• Nov. 19-21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: McKay’s (inside)
• Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Spotlight Event Center, 4157 N.W. HWY 101 (inside)

Newport

• Nov. 19, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Post office
• Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: National Guard Armory
• Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: American Legion

Waldport

• Nov. 21, noon to 5 p.m.: Post office

Toledo

• Nov. 19-20, noon to 5 p.m.: Carwash

Siletz

• Nov. 19, noon to 5 p.m.: Grocery store

Blodgett/Eddyville/Harlan area

• Nov. 22, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Near Fir Ridge Campground (Clem Road off Highway 20)

The group aims to be a leading platform for petition gathering in Lincoln County, attracting participants to drive change and create a more responsive local government.

A statewide signature event is planned for Nov. 22, with additional locations available through notaxor.com. Petitions cannot be signed electronically.