Oregon Initiative Petition 28 Faces Signature Shortfall Ahead of November Ballot

A preliminary review of a sample of signatures for Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28 (IP 28) showed the measure fell short of the 82 % validity threshold needed to qualify for the November ballot. Supporters must collect at least 117,173 valid signatures out of 142,784 submitted; the first test of 1,000 signatures yielded only about 80 % validity. State officials are now examining a larger sample, and if that also fails, IP 28 will not appear on the ballot.

The initiative, also called the PEACE Act, seeks to outlaw hunting, fishing, ranching and most animal testing, removing exemptions for lawful animal use. Critics, including an Oregon community‑college professor, argue the proposal threatens food security and agricultural education, labeling it “an attack on human nutrition.” The measure has drawn bipartisan opposition and faces uncertainty over its signature validation process.