Start a petition

Write a petition that a clerk can accept

Most petitions fail on procedure, not on merit: wrong body, vague ask, signatures from outside the jurisdiction, or a deadline that passed. This form walks you through all four.

First, decide which kind of petition you need. An advocacy petition demonstrates support and creates a public record — you set the threshold. A statutory petition (a ballot initiative, charter amendment or referendum) has signature counts, formats and deadlines set by law, and must be filed with your election office. Our guide on petition rules by state explains the difference.

1. The ask

Petition title Start with a verb and name the outcome: “Install crosswalks on every school route in Ward 5.”

Specific requests One per line. Each should be something the body can vote on, fund or direct staff to do.

Why it matters (200–350 words)

2. Who receives it

City or county

State

Receiving body Find it in the directory — city council, county board, school board, transit agency or state agency.

Petition type

3. Threshold and timeline

Signature goal

Delivery date

Supporting documents Links to staff reports, crash data, budget lines, photographs, prior council votes.

4. You

Your name

ZIP code

I have read the community guidelines and understand that petitions are reviewed before publication.