How to Write a Petition

Writing a petition is not as difficult as you might suspect. Save yourself time by following the regulations set forth by your local government.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Phone Books
• Plain Stationery
• Spiral Notebooks
• Writing Pens

1. Contact the administrative office of your local government.

2. Verify that your cause for petition falls under its jurisdiction. You might need to petition on a county or state level. Have the office direct you to the department that handles matters related to your cause.

3. Request petition guidelines. Find out how many signatures you need and whether your petition needs approval before being circulated.

4. Use the guidelines to write a short summary of your cause. People won't stick around to read something long, so make it simple and to the point. A good example might be, "We, the citizens of the city of Mapleton, petition the city to install a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Main Street and Palm Drive. Drivers typically speed through this busy intersection at 35 mph or more while our children are trying to cross on their way to school."

5. Read over your summary carefully. Make sure it (1) describes the situation, (2) suggests what is needed and (3) explains why it is needed.

6. Divide the petition page, with the summary at the top, into four columns with a ruler. Label the columns: Name, Address, Phone Number and Signature. Allow plenty of room for the Address column.

7. Label more pages accordingly or make copies of your original. Make sure you have enough pages for the number of signatures you need.

8. Secure the papers to a clipboard. Attach a pen to the clipboard.

9. Go out and get those signatures! Make sure all signers are registered voters.

Tips & Warnings

• A typed summary looks more professional and is easier to read.