Petition Power: Can It Change Laws?

Petitions are a powerful tool for democratic activism and a way to engage elected officials. They are a request to do something, typically addressed to a government agency or public official, and signed by individuals or groups. The right to petition is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution, which includes the right to file lawsuits against the government. Petitions can be used to seek a new law or overturn an existing one and are a way for citizens to express their opinions and participate in politics. They can also be used to address corporate personnel decisions or exert moral authority in support of various causes. While petitions themselves may not have legal power, they can be a powerful tool for change when combined with other forms of activism, such as media attention, letter-writing, and peaceful protests.

The right to petition

In the United States, the right to petition is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which includes the right to file lawsuits against the government. Petitions are commonly used to qualify candidates for public office and to initiate legal cases. They can also be used to seek a new law or to overturn an existing one. The process for accepting and processing petitions is outlined by the state, with specific requirements that must be met.

To create an effective petition, one must start with a clear and concise headline that highlights the issue and the desired change. The body of the petition should explain who is impacted by the current law, what the law is now, and how you want to see it changed. Including a personal story and an image or video that captures emotion can help to build support for your cause.

Once your petition is complete, it's important to get it in front of as many people as possible. This can be done by sharing it on social media, local bulletin boards, and radio stations, as well as by contacting the media. The more signatures you can gather, the more likely it is that your government will listen and take action.

Petition types

Simple Petitions

Simple petitions are those that do not fall under any specific category. They are typically presented by the petition organizer directly to the relevant councillor or representative at a meeting.

Consultation Petitions

Consultation petitions are submitted in response to an invitation from a council or government body regarding a specific proposal or application. This could include planning, licensing, parking restrictions, or speed limits. These petitions are reported to the person or committee making the decision on the proposal.

Statutory Petitions

Statutory petitions are required by legislation, where a council or government body is mandated to consider petitions. For example, a petition for a directly elected mayor.

Petitions for Debate

This type of petition requires a minimum number of signatories to be considered for debate at a council or committee meeting. The threshold for signatures may vary depending on the location and the scope of the issue.

Representation Petitions

Representation petitions are often related to union representation in the context of employee relations. They can include union representation petitions, written majority authorization petitions, union decertification petitions, employer-initiated petitions, and unit clarification petitions.

Initiative and Referendum Petitions

Initiative petitions empower citizens to propose new laws or amendments, while referendum petitions allow citizens to approve or reject existing laws. These can be at the state, county, or municipal level and are typically filed with the relevant elections official or city clerk.

Recall Petitions

Recall petitions give voters the power to remove elected officials from office before their terms expire. These petitions are typically filed with the Registrar of Voters or the Secretary of State's office, depending on the jurisdiction.

Petition structure

A well-structured petition is clear, concise, and easy to scan. It should be thoughtfully designed and presented in a way that advocates for an important cause that matters to a group of people.

A petition should begin with a preamble that provides background information on the issue at hand. This should be followed by the body of the petition, which contains the core petition text and the exact call to action that signers will be asked to support. The text should be specific, with a strong idea of your cause, and should be supported by references. It should also be well-researched, with a clear understanding of the counterpoints to your arguments.

The length of your petition is important. The longer the petition, the less likely people are to read it through or sign it. Keep the text to two or three short, easy-to-scan paragraphs. Adding bullet points or numbers can also be helpful.

It is also important to include a clear and concise statement of your goal. This statement should be placed at the top of your petition and may be in larger and/or bolded text to make it stand out. For example, instead of saying, "We support more funding for a park", try saying, "We demand that the Commissioners of Nature County allocate funds for a new park in the Adventure District."

Finally, include a space for people to attach their signatures and direct your petition to the proper jurisdiction. Most government bodies have guidelines regarding the number of signatures required for a petition to be considered, so be sure to research this beforehand.

Petition promotion

Know Your Target Audience

Before promoting your petition, identify your target audience. If your petition is directed at a local MP or councillor, focus on engaging people who live or work in the area they represent. While it's important to cast a wide net, gathering signatures from outside the relevant area may be less effective. Understanding your target audience will help you tailor your message and choose the most suitable platforms for promotion.

Build Momentum:

People are more likely to sign a petition that already has a significant number of signatures. Aim to quickly reach 100 signatures or more to create a sense of momentum and encourage others to join. Use this momentum to your advantage by sharing it on social media or with local media outlets.

Utilize Social Media:

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram offer a powerful tool for spreading your message and engaging a wide audience. Create a dedicated Facebook page for your cause, using the "cause or community" category. Share compelling stories, visuals, and videos that highlight the petition's purpose and impact. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and engage with broader conversations. Consider paid promotion, such as boosted Facebook posts, to reach a larger audience.

Engage with Influencers and Organisations:

Identify individuals or organisations with a strong interest or influence in your petition's topic. Reach out to them and ask for their support in spreading the word. Building relationships with these stakeholders can help amplify your message and attract more signatures.

Share Personal Stories:

People are more likely to support your petition if they can relate to the impact of the issue. Share personal stories that illustrate why the law needs to be changed or enforced. This helps create an emotional connection with your audience and makes them feel invested in your cause.

Choose Powerful Images:

Select images that convey emotion and capture the essence of your petition. A simple, striking image of a person or animal can be more effective than a complex or text-heavy design. Ensure you have the right to distribute the image to avoid any legal issues.

Reach Out to Local Media:

Don't underestimate the power of local media outlets. Share your petition with local radio stations, newspapers, or online platforms. They can help bring attention to your cause and engage community members who may be interested in signing.

Be Persistent and Consistent:

Promoting a petition takes time and consistency. Plan your content and use a calendar to regularly share updates and engage your audience. Repeat your message but vary the content to keep people interested.

Petition history

The right to petition is a longstanding tradition, with the first documented petitions made by slaves building pyramids in Ancient Egypt, who petitioned for better working conditions. In pre-modern Imperial China, petitions were always sent to an Office of Transmission, where court secretaries decided whether they were persuasive enough to be read aloud to the emperor by court secretaries. In the Ottoman Empire during the 15th to 20th centuries, hundreds of thousands of petitions were archived in Istanbul, influencing many day-to-day decisions.

In the United Kingdom, the Petition of Right of 1628 is a notable example. This petition was sent by the English Parliament to King Charles I, complaining of a series of breaches of law. The petition sought recognition of four principles: no taxation without the consent of Parliament, no imprisonment without cause, no quartering of soldiers on subjects, and no martial law in peacetime. While Charles accepted the petition to continue receiving subsidies, he later ignored its principles. Nonetheless, the Petition of Right became a constitutional document of the UK government, alongside other significant acts such as the Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights.

Another notable example is the Bendigo Goldfields Petition from Victoria, Australia, in 1853. This petition, signed by over 5,000 diggers, protested against mining licence fees imposed by the government. Similarly, in 1891, a group of women in Victoria collected almost 30,000 signatures on a petition to gain the right to vote for all women.

In the United States, the "act on petition" has been used in maritime cases, and the right to petition is enshrined in the law. Government Code Section 11340.6 provides that any interested person may petition a state agency to request the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a regulation, except where restricted by statute.

Frequently asked questions