Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

As a Petition Signature Collector, you are responsible for promoting the campaign’s objectives, garnering signatures for the campaign’s petition, and engaging with community members to create awareness and support for the cause. The ideal candidate must be able to understand and communicate the mission and goals of the campaign effectively, have strong interpersonal skills, and be diligent in the collection and management of signatures.

A petition signature collector, also known as a petition circulator or gatherer, is responsible for collecting signatures from registered voters in support of placing a citizen initiative or referendum on an upcoming election ballot. This grassroots democratic process allows citizens to enact new laws or repeal existing laws by bypassing the legislature and bringing proposed statutes and constitutional amendments directly to voters for approval. The job typically involves standing outside busy public places like grocery stores, transit stations, and community events to actively engage passersby, educate them on the relevant issue, and request signatures.

According to Wikipedia, the petition process varies by state but generally requires meeting a signature threshold within a certain timeframe to qualify. Once on the ballot, the initiative must then earn a majority of votes to be enacted. Successful petition drives require hiring dedicated signature collectors who are skilled communicators and passionate advocates. They must employ persuasion and perseverance to explain the purpose and importance of proposed laws in a compelling way that inspires strangers to stop and sign.

Petition collectors need strong interpersonal and communication abilities to spark interest and establish an emotional connection. Friendliness and an enthusiastic belief in the democratic process help canvassers motivate signees. Collectors must be comfortable initiating conversations, often in the face of frequent rejection. They should have extensive knowledge about the relevant campaign issue and ballot initiative in order to answer questions and address concerns accurately and thoughtfully.

According to Ballotpedia, the top 5 states for most initiatives on the ballot are Oregon, California, Colorado, North Dakota and Arizona. Campaigns in states like these seek experienced signature collectors who can work efficiently to meet signature targets. Most initiatives require meeting minimum percentage thresholds based on the jurisdiction’s number of registered voters. For statewide ballots, campaigns may need to gather hundreds of thousands of valid signatures within the designated timeframe, usually 4-12 months.

The petition job requires spending long hours – often weekends or evenings when more people are available – canvassing outside supermarkets, public squares, campuses and other high-traffic areas. Collectors must be comfortable walking for miles and standing for extended periods in various weather conditions. Strong time management skills are key to maximize productivity and meet daily signature goals. Successful collectors remain motivated despite frequent rejection and fatigued legs. A thick skin and determination are useful traits.

According to Change.org, signature gathering follows strict legal guidelines. Petition circulators must be registered voters in the relevant state and provide clear disclaimers about the nature of the petition. They ensure signers are local residents and collect their verifiable information like full names, addresses and dates with legible handwriting. Professional conduct and ethical practices are mandatory. Proper training on applicable regulations is provided.

The job attracts passionate advocates seeking to create change through the democratic process. Petition companies and campaign organizers often hire collectors as temporary employees or independent contractors paid per signature or hourly. The most productive collectors can earn bonuses by exceeding targets. Advancement opportunities to lead canvassing teams or run local field operations are possible. Overall, the role allows petition circulators to engage fellow citizens while working to enact meaningful laws and policies in their communities.

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 a Petition Signature Gatherer, 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:

Signature Collection: Collect signatures for petitions in adherence with the relevant regulations, ensuring that each signature is legitimate and from a verified voter.
Public Engagement: Engage with the public to share the campaign’s message and goals, promoting support and understanding. This includes identifying and engaging with potential supporters in public spaces, at events, or door-to-door.
Campaign Promotion: Understand the campaign’s objectives and communicate them effectively to the public, convincing them of the importance and impact of their signature.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of collected signatures, ensuring the proper documentation and confidentiality of voters’ information.
Training: Attend necessary training sessions to stay informed about campaign details, legal requirements, and best practices for engaging the public.
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
Outstanding communication abilities
Outstanding interpersonal skills
Capable of remaining on feet and walking for extended periods
Capable of sustaining a heightened level of energy and maintaining a positive demeanor

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.