Secretary of State calls for transparency in PCEF petition review

Catch up quick: Initiative 1PDX2026 would take 25% of money in the clean energy fund to increase police staffing.

• Backers submitted more than 63,000 signatures for verification this month, well over the 40,437 needed to qualify for the November ballot.
• This week, though, they accused Rede of mistakes and "political bias" in the signature verification process and asked the state to take over.

Yes, but: Opponents have accused signature gatherers of breaking election rules and have submitted dozens of complaints to state officials.

What they're saying: "What I have seen in recent days regarding the 1PDX2026 initiative signature verification process reflects poorly on our state's entire election system," Read wrote, per KGW.

• Read called for more transparency in the process but stopped short of saying the state would step in.

The other side: Rede said Wednesday the allegations of misconduct were all unfounded.

• "We welcome scrutiny, but scrutiny must begin with facts," she said in a statement. "Portlanders deserve a final determination based on the law and the evidence, not speculation or demands for a preferred outcome."

What's next: Signature verification must be completed by Aug. 5.