Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
We are seeking a motivated and passionate individual to join our team as a Petition Circulator. As a Petition Circulator, you will play a crucial role in our organization’s advocacy efforts by collecting signatures for petitions related to various causes and issues. Your primary responsibility will be to engage with the public, educate them about the petition’s purpose, and encourage them to sign. This position offers an opportunity to make a positive impact on society and contribute to meaningful change.
A Petition Circulator is responsible for collecting signatures on petitions to place initiatives, referendums, recalls, or candidates on election ballots. This is an important role in the democratic process that allows citizens to directly enact legislation or place candidates and issues before voters through the petition process. Petition circulators approach registered voters in public places like grocery stores, town squares, and busy sidewalks to explain the proposed law or candidate and ask them to sign the petition (Washington Post, Change.org).
Circulators must be familiar with the full text of the petition in order to accurately summarize it for potential signers. They should understand relevant laws, deadline dates, and signature requirements, which vary by state (Ballotpedia). For example, South Dakota requires signatures equal to 5% of the total votes cast in the last gubernatorial election (SD Secretary of State), while Idaho requires 6% of registered voters in 18 legislative districts (ID Secretary of State).
Circulators must verify that each person signing is a registered voter in the relevant district by requesting to see ID or voter registration. Some states like Kansas prohibit out-of-state residents from circulating petitions (KS Secretary of State). Most states require circulators to complete an affidavit swearing they personally witnessed each signature. False or duplicate signatures can invalidate an entire petition.
Successful petition circulators are friendly, polite, and able to engage strangers in conversation about issues. They must have excellent verbal communication skills, answer questions knowledgeably, and tailor explanations to the priorities and concerns of diverse voters. Persuasiveness, perseverance, and public speaking ability are important assets. Comfort approaching many different people daily and working outdoors in all weather is essential.
Circulators should be well-informed on current events, government, and the political climate. Knowledge of local issues and elected officials provides helpful context for voters. Willingness to stand for long hours and walk many miles per day to maximize contacts is crucial. Most work is done independently, so self-motivation and self-management skills are vital.
Pay structures varies. Full-time circulators must be flexible enough to work 40+ hours a week in the months leading up to filing deadlines. Part-time and temporary positions are also available.
Petition circulation offers an opportunity to get involved in grassroots democracy. Circulators empower citizens to directly enact change on issues they care about through the initiative and referendum process. It allows motivated individuals to influence policy and elections. Experience circulating petitions can lead to campaign roles like canvassing, phone banking, and voter registration drives. The work requires passion and dedication but provides a hands-on lesson in the legislative process.
Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Minor Outlying Islands, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Full Job Description
Background: Petition Referrals, LLC clients are looking for year-round and seasonal petition collectors. As Petition Circulator , you are responsible for collecting and documenting legitimate signatures for campaign petitions, actively promoting the campaign’s objectives, and interacting with the public to build support and understanding for the cause. The role requires excellent communication, resilience, and a strong understanding of the campaign’s goals, ensuring a strong representation and effectiveness in driving the campaign forward.
Roles/Duties:
- Collect signatures: Approach individuals in public places, such as parks, shopping centers, or events, and explain the purpose and importance of the petition. Encourage them to sign the petition, ensuring they meet the eligibility criteria and provide accurate information.
- Educate the public: Clearly communicate the goals, objectives, and significance of the petition to potential signatories. Address any questions or concerns they may have and provide factual information to support the cause.
- Maintain knowledge: Stay informed about the issues addressed in the petition and be able to answer inquiries regarding its content. Stay updated on relevant news, developments, and arguments related to the cause to provide accurate information to potential signatories.
- Document and organize signatures: Accurately record the details of each signatory, including their name, address, contact information, and any additional required information. Ensure that the collected signatures are organized and stored securely.
- Follow legal guidelines: Adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines governing petition circulation. Familiarize yourself with local, state, and national requirements regarding petition circulation and ensure compliance at all times.
- Meet targets: Work towards achieving daily, weekly, and monthly signature collection targets. Display self-motivation and determination to meet or exceed set goals while maintaining quality and accuracy in signature collection.
- Petition Submission: Submit collected signatures before deadlines, ensuring they are organized and properly formatted according to the requirements.
Job Requirements:
- Previous petition, door knocking, get out to vote, canvassing or face-to-face selling experience preferred
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Persuasive and ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport quickly.
- Knowledge and interest in the cause or issue addressed by the petition.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Ethical and able to adhere to legal guidelines and regulations.
- Physical stamina to stand or walk for extended periods and work in various weather conditions.
- Previous experience in advocacy, community organizing, or similar roles is desirable but not mandatory.
Benefits
- Opportunity for performance-based bonuses
- Overtime available
Salary:
- $25-30 per hour, depending on performance.
Job Types:
- Full-time, Temporary, Contractor
Pay:
- $25-30 per hour, depending on performance.
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Application Question(s):
- Are you available to start right away?
Experience:
- No prior experience is required, but prior experience in petitions, political organizing, or advocacy is a plus.
Work Location:
- Travel