Voters trash Measure 118 tax on sales, rebate

Published 8:00 pm Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Oregon voters overwhelmingly defeated Ballot Measure 118, which would impose a 3% tax on the sales of businesses in the state over $25 million, then distribute the money raised to all residents, regardless of age. Residents would have to live in the state at least 200 days a year to qualify. Individual payments are estimated to range from $1,035 to $1,790, with no limit on family size.

In early results, Measure 118 was defeated by a margin of 78% to 22%.

Measure 118 was placed on the ballot by an initiative sponsored by a former labor organizer and a signature-gathering drive largely supported by wealthy out-of-state individuals. During the campaign, it was mostly supported by progressive groups and opposed by businesses and business-related organizations.

The campaign in favor of Measure 118 was largely funded by two political action committees that supported a number of other measures on the Nov. 5 ballot. Mobilize Oregon Votes raised around $321,000 and 2024 Oregon Voters Guide raised about $720,000 by the end of the week before the election. The campaign against it was largely funded by Defeat the Costly Tax on Sales, which raised close to $17 million by the end of the week before the election.

Full election results can be found at results.oregonvotes.gov.