Getting enough signatures for a petition can be a tough process. Petition laws are very stringent and must be recognized at all times. Requirements that each person must meet in order for their signature to be valid are similar from state to state. When gathering support for a cause it is important to know a few basic rules of petition signatures.
Must be a registered voter
Anyone signing a petition must be of legal age to vote and a registered voter from the state, city or county that the petition is circulating. A non-registered signature will be stricken from the record. If the petition is trying to get an individual on the ballot for an upcoming election, a person signing the petition must also be a member of the same political party.
Must provide valid address
Anyone who signs a petition must also include her current address, including street number, city, state and zip code. Post office boxes do not usually count. The address should also correspond with the address that appears on each individual's voter registration card.
Must sign in ink
Any signature must be in permanent ink instead of pencil or any other method. The person signing must also include the date of his signing and it must be witnessed by the petition carrier.
One signature per person
An individual can only sign for himself - one can not sign for a wife or child. A person is only allowed to sign a petition once. If a signature is found on multiple copies of the petition, duplicates will be thrown out.
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Writer Bio
Chris Waller began writing in 2004. Chris has written for the "Fulton Sun" and eHow, focusing on technology and sports. Chris has won multiple awards for his writing including a second place award in the Missouri Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest. Chris earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in journalism and English from Truman State University.