Oregon’s referendum campaigns on whether to tax the rich almost all over but the counting

Ore. tax campaign: One rush, then the counting

PORTLAND, Ore. — A surge of last-minute votes is expected Tuesday, and then the counting will get under way as Oregon decides in a special election whether to raise taxes on the wealthy and on business.

The campaigns on Measures 66 and 67 have centered on a struggle between many business leaders on one side and state employee and teacher unions on the other. At stake is about $727 million expected from tax increases over two years.

Through both personal and corporate taxes, businesses and owners would pay much of the money, and public employees would see a share of it in pay and benefits.

Polling results show the election is likely to be close.