How to Take Effective Political Action

How to Host a Signature Gathering Event

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What is Signature Gathering?

Signature gathering is the process of gathering signatures from registered voters on official forms in order to get a candidate or an initiative on a ballot. If you need to review the basics of signature gathering, check out our Signature Gathering Guide.

Why Use Signature Gathering?

Signature gathering is an important part of the democratic process as it’s often the only process for candidates or issues to get on a ballot. It is also one of the best ways to identify and grow your list of supporters. It is an opportunity for voters to take direct action.

How to Host a Signature Gathering Event:

Step 1:  Find Events to Gather Signatures

Think about where you usually learn about events. A few places to get started in your search:

  • Community bulletin boards
  • Local magazines and newspapers
  • Event calendars of local venues
  • Event calendars of states, towns, and city and county government 
  • Event calendars of local organizations and community groups like the VFW, religious groups, or community associations
  • Social media calendars (Facebook, Eventbrite, etc.)
  • Google searches for events like
    • Political rallies
    • Presentations
    • Farmers markets
    • Fairs and festivals
    • Block parties
    • Art walks

Step 2:  Consider Specifics

What type of event is it? Loud events, late-night events that revolve around alcohol, or big events in small, crowded venues aren’t ideal for petitioning. Better elements include:

  • Events that are open to the public in larger spaces, or have a ticket line out front that you can walk along.
  • Heavily populated events with a lot of foot traffic will boost your chances of finding supporters.
  • Events that invite people to table

Step 3:  Finalize List

  • Share the list of event opportunities with your team
  • Prepare for events

Step 4:  Recruit volunteers

  • Find friends, family, supporters to join you

Step 5:  Prepare materials – typical materials include

  • Issue Information 
  • Signature papers
  • Pens
  • Clipboards
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Weather related items – sunglasses, sunscreen, umbrella, gloves, hats, hand warmers
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Sign in sheets
  • Script/talking point

Step 6:  Train volunteers

  • Train a week to 10 days out
  •  Provide a refresher at the beginning of the event
    • Include how to engage people
    • Role play
    • Prepare people to answer questions

Step 7:  Day of

  • Arrive early
  • Make sure materials are ready
  • Team start conversations with people who are walking by
  • Use a hook to get people’s attention 
    • Arrive early to your space to set up your area
    • Lay out your collateral on your table 
    • Gather your team and make a game plan for how to start engaging folks 
    • Grab your clipboard and pen, and start conversations with people who are walking by.
  • Capture people’s information if they are interested in getting involved themselves
  • Debrief with volunteers at the end

Step 8:  Follow up

  • Follow up with potential volunteers
  • Gather signature pages and share with head organizer or enter in a database