The type of information that must be contained in the petition. The format of the petition. The number of signatures required. Whether you are required to get permission for your petition before you begin to circulate it and collect signatures. Names and addresses of designated representatives. [1] X Research source If you are petitioning a governmental entity, you should also check whether there was already a petition filed on the matter and ask the agency what the rules are regarding duplicate petitions. Governmental petitions have specific rules and you should be sure that your new petition isn’t declared invalid because it is duplicative. [2] X Trustworthy Source Kansas University Center for Community Health and Development Community-based research center focused on supporting public health development and education Go to source
If your petition is related to a law or rule, specify the exact language that you want to change, add, or remove with your proposal.
Include documents and data that support your argument. Create a petition that includes facts, charts, graphs, scientific evidence, or photos that demonstrate why your proposal is sound, necessary, and a benefit to the community. List laws or rules that support your proposal.
Signer’s printed name. Signer’s signature. Signer’s residence address. Signer’s county. Signer’s voter registration number. Date the petition was signed.
Go to public places where you will be able to speak to the most people who you think will be impacted by this petition. If your petition is for a public park, attend local youth sporting events and speak to parents. Attend town hall meetings, public forums, or other public gatherings where people are discussing community issues. This group of concerned citizens may be most sympathetic to your petition and support your cause. When approaching community members with your petition, always be polite and considerate. No one wants to be bombarded by an angry petitioner when they are simply trying to get to work. Be mindful that even if someone supports your cause, he or she might be unable to do so at that exact moment either because of time or economic constraints. Simply thank them for their time. These same people may remember your polite demeanor and contact you when they have the resources or time to do so.
Create an area for discussion so that people can ask questions and you can respond. If you are required to submit hardcopy signatures, choose a few convenient times and locations (such as a local grocery store) where people can stop by and sign the petition. Use a variety of social media platforms to spread your message. It is particularly important to create an online presence for your petition if your petition concerns a national issue. Consider using online petition organizations such as change. org that pass your petition to its registered users. The White House also has a petition website, where you can both create and sign petitions located at https://petitions. whitehouse. gov.
Visit your state’s website. Conduct an internet search with your state’s name followed by “petition requirements. ” The search usually directs you to the appropriate links. For a government agency, check the agency’s website for instructions on where to send or file a petition. Typically, there will be a search window on the website where you can search for “petition. ” Locate the proper place to submit a petition. Some agencies have a central office that receives all petitions, while other agencies ask that you send petitions to specific officers. For instance, if you were filing a petition to have an Act placed on the ballot in the state of Maryland, you would need to send your petition to the Secretary of State in Maryland. [3] X Research source You can usually locate this information on the agency’s website or by calling the agency directly. Call your local or state government’s office, and ask to speak with a clerk about the steps that you can take to file your petition.
Some agencies set forth a specific timeline, such a 30 days. Some agencies may open the petition up to public input, which extends the decision-making timeline. Some agencies may consider your petition privately and internally. Decisions on federal rulemaking petitions are published in the Federal Register.
If you are seeking the assistance of a lawyer, see if your state has any lawyers that specialize in drafting initiatives. If you cannot find a lawyer that specializes in this matter, try finding an attorney who specializes in the subject matter the initiative is about. For example, if you are going to draft an initiative about the criminal justice system and sentencing laws, you should obtain the help of a criminal lawyer.
A poorly worded ballot measure can lead to minimal support and ultimately failure on election day. If you have the resources, you should consider using an attorney or the Legislative Counsel.
In California, you will submit your request to the Attorney General. The Attorney General will be responsible for creating a title for the initiative and for providing an official summary.
Be aware that only signatures of citizens who are registered to vote will count. Therefore, some signatures you receive will most likely not count. this is why it is important to get more signatures than just the minimum.
