With the deadline for submitting signatures now behind them, supporters of Initiative Petition 28 (IP28), also known as the PEACE Act, have turned in what they believe is enough signatures to qualify for Oregon’s November ballot. But while supporters are celebrating, opponents say the fight is only beginning.
In a July 2 press release sent to members, the Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) emphasized that submitting signatures does not guarantee a place on the ballot. The organization noted that the Oregon Secretary of State must first verify each signature before determining whether the initiative has officially qualified.
According to OHA, IP28 supporters submitted 142,784 signatures- 25,611 more than the required minimum of 117,173. However, the organization noted that if state officials determine that 18 percent or more of the signatures are invalid, the measure would fail to qualify.
The association cited historical signature verification rates of 15 to 25 percent, describing IP28 as in what it called the “danger zone.” While acknowledging that the initiative could still qualify, OHA stressed that the verification process remains the deciding factor.
Regardless of the outcome, the organization says it is already preparing for the next stage.
According to the release, OHA is launching a statewide campaign to defeat IP28 should it appear on the November ballot. The effort will include weekly strategic response panels designed to test campaign messaging with Oregon voters and refine arguments against the measure.
The organization also stated that it is developing what it described as a long-term strategy to permanently protect hunting, fishing, and Oregon’s outdoor traditions from future ballot initiatives of a similar nature.
Throughout the release, OHA characterizes IP28 as a direct threat to Oregon’s hunting heritage, fishing traditions, agriculture, and families’ ability to harvest their own food. The association argues that supporters of the initiative intend to eliminate legal hunting and fishing statewide and believes the proposal would have far-reaching consequences beyond its stated goal of expanding animal cruelty protections.
The press release concludes with a fundraising appeal encouraging members to contribute to the organization’s Hunter Victory Fund, which OHA says will help finance its campaign against the initiative if it qualifies for the ballot.
For now, both supporters and opponents of IP28 are awaiting the Secretary of State’s decision. If enough signatures are validated, the proposal will appear before Oregon voters this November. Until then, both sides are preparing for what is expected to become one of the state’s most closely watched and heavily debated ballot measures.
As signature verification continues, Oregon’s debate over IP28 has shifted from gathering support to preparing for a statewide campaign. Whether the initiative ultimately qualifies or falls short during verification, it has already sparked significant discussion over animal welfare, agriculture, hunting, fishing, and the future of rural Oregon.
Reach reporter Jared Pearson at [email protected].