Q&A for How to Write a Petition

You can, but typing looks more professional and people will take you more seriously if your petition is neat.

No. Upon signing the petition, the person gives consent for the signature to be counted for the petition's cause.

This will depend somewhat on what is required by the body where you will submit the petition. In general, though, it is a good idea to have both a printed name and a signature. It only takes a few seconds more, and it covers all your bases.

It will not be effective because you don't have much proof but just witness. Try giving more information about your case and documented proof of your case. There should be something somewhere -- ask others for help.

Use a specific statement that identifies your cause. For example, you could write “We request that the name of West Park Drive be formally changed to Parkdale Avenue."

This depends greatly on who will be receiving and reviewing the petition. Contact the organization where the petition will be submitted to verify the information they need to validate signatures. In the US, this often includes at least name, email or phone number, and zip code.

Put the year so that the people who will be reading your case know that it isn't an old case and will be interested to read it because it is current.

When generating a petition, all signers need to sign their names. This can happen as an electronic signature for online petitions, or a standard signature for paper petitions.

Anyone can write a petition. In Canada, citizens are free to generate petitions for issues that impact them. Try using a website like Change.org to help you get your petition going.

You don't need the full petition statement on every signature page. Have one statement laminated or in a page protector at the front of your petition. Then, simply include your petition name at the top of each signature page. This will help you keep things organized and let signers know that their signature will not be misused.

Try looking at your state government's website. It will usually have the info you need.

You don't need to, but it can be helpful if you are not confident writing a petition on your own.

Try again. Do more research, and try to make it look official. If it was handwritten the first time, type it the second time.

You can write a petition for any cause. However, you will still need to generate enough verifiable signatures to meet your city's minimum requirements for considering a petition. Check with your city to see what they require before you get started. Make sure that your city, and not your HOA or another group, is the right organization for this issue.

This may not be an issue handled at the state level. In many cases, towns and counties are responsible for their own roads. Contact your town and county offices to see who would oversee this issue, and how many signatures are required.

It is, but the second one is not counted.

No, this is not necessary.

In the United States, you cannot get in trouble for signing a petition because you have a right to.

Yes, anyone can start a petition regardless of age, but you should get your parents' permission first.

Depending on your cause, educate people about why they should go against MLA. The Modern Language Association is an extremely well-known, well-used and prestigious organization, so you must have a strong claim. However, if you are determined, nothing can stop you.

First consult your municipal or zoning clerk to determine the zoning of the property in question. Then review the zoning code to see if it addresses greenhouses, accessory buildings, or foundation requirements. If applicable, attend the next zoning board meeting to present your findings and discuss the possibility of adding your case to the agenda.

You don't need any signatures; you can request to be added to the agenda at the next school board meeting. During the meeting, present your case explaining why removing the school uniform rule would benefit the educational environment. If the board agrees, they will revise the rule; if not, take note of their reasoning for further consideration.

One strategy is to argue under the First Amendment, as prayer is considered speech, and ensure that no one feels coerced into participating in prayer.

The federal government decides on actions for Federal Highway 93 in Idaho, and the Idaho State Patrol enforces transportation law. To initiate action on the highway, contact the county highway commissioner. They can present your petition at the next meeting, and if they take action, they'll coordinate with the Department of Transportation on the county's behalf.

To start a petition aimed at clearing your friend's name, consider seeking legal advice on expungement. In the U.S. you can contact your county's public defender office for the necessary forms and information on scheduling a court date. Be prepared for possible expenses.

For government office nominations, check the state election form for the required number of signatures. For general petitions to local government, focus on collecting verified signatures from residents within the appropriate jurisdiction, as these hold more value than a large number of signatures from non-residents.

A petition to your government should include your name and address, including the municipality. Phone numbers are not required and are best left out, as the municipality already has contact information from tax, utility, or police departments. In the US, the government is not obligated to act on petitions from people who do not verifiably live in their jurisdiction.

Generally, a petition should have an accompanying document with details or an explanation, like referencing "Special Bill 12" on the petition and providing the details separately to the recipient for reference.

There is no required age, but some websites have age restrictions. If you are younger, you can ask an adult to start one on your behalf.

This is not what a petition is for. You should discuss this with the executor of the deceased's estate. You may want to hire, or at least talk to, a lawyer specialising in property law and/or inheritance. In many US states and some countries, if you have done maintenance work on the property for a number of years you will have a stronger case.