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Petition transcription
Petition transcription is a method used by circulators to increase signature gathering efficiency by writing in certain information for the signer.
Transcribing or filling in a signature on behalf of a signer is never legal. In certain states, however, transcribing the printed name, address, zip code, county, date, etc. can be legal for certain kinds of petitions.
Transcribing can be especially useful for a circulator collecting signatures for multiple petitions. Transcribing allows the signer to sign and write all of their information on the first petition and simply sign their name on the remaining petitions, relying on the circulator to duplicate their information. It also allows the signer to verbally communicate their information, while the circulator writes it down in the appropriate spaces on the petition form.
Requirements by state
Four states have laws regarding petition transcription by circulators, while other states that provide for initiatives and referendums do not say whether or not it is legal for a circulator to transcribe elector information.
- In Arizona and Colorado, circulators cannot transcribe signer information.
- In Oregon and South Dakota, circulators may assist signers by transcribing information.
State laws regarding petition transcription
The following table outlines the laws regarding petition transcription:
| Petition transcription | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| State | Policy regarding petition transcription | Law | |
| Arizona | In Arizona, a circulator cannot transcribe for initiative and referendum petitions. | Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 19, Ch. 1, Art. 2, 19-118] | |
| Colorado | In Arizona, a circulator may not assist a voter in completing remaining information. | Colorado Revised Statutes Title 1. Elections § 1-40-111] | |
| Oregon | Circulators may aid disabled voters in signing a petition and may change information about a signer if the signer initials next to the change. | Oregon Revised Statutes 260.567] | |
| South Dakota | According to the state rules on the form of petitions, information on a petition form besides the signature itself may be filled in by the "signer or the circulator." | South Dakota Legislature 9-20-8] | |
See also
Footnotes
