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Petition circulator

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Revision as of 19:18, 19 February 2021 by Victoria Antram (contribs)
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Voter signing a petition

A petition circulator, also referred to as a "circulator," "signature gatherer," or "signature collector," is a campaign worker who asks voters to sign a petition to place a ballot initiative, referendum, recall, or candidate on the ballot. Such workers may be volunteers or paid professionals.

Most campaigns require the use of paid petition circulators. These people are usually independent contractors who are paid by the signature.

Restrictions on petition circulators

Many states place restrictions on petition circulation. These restrictions include requiring workers to be residents of the state they are working in, prohibiting workers from being paid by the signature, requiring workers to register with the state and pay fees, and requiring workers to identify if they are paid or volunteer. According to the Citizens in Charge Foundation, these restrictions often violate the free speech rights of petition sponsors and voters, and instances of all of the above have been struck down by federal courts.[1]

Changes to laws governing the initiative process

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Citizens in Charge, "Threats and Restrictions," accessed May 27, 2015.
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