Push to ban Oregon mail-in voting gains ‘momentum,’ GOP backer says. Opponents have their doubts

A lead supporter for the push to end vote by mail in Oregon claims it’s gaining steam, but opponents say it has a long way to go.

Initiative 37 has gathered at least 25,000 signatures since July 25, says chief petitioner Ben Edtl, a Republican political consultant from Tualatin.

“We’ve been at almost every county fair in the state this summer,” said Edtl, who recently contested his own election loss before resigning as a public transportation boss in Douglas County. (The results of that election are still being contested and a trial is scheduled in October.)

The initiative needs more than 156,000 verified signatures by July 2 to qualify for November 2026, according to the Oregon Secretary of State. Supporters have so far raised nearly $9,000 but spent nearly $12,000 .

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