E-petitions

Home >> Methods >> browse methods >> E-petitions

Brief Description:

E-petitioning is the modern day adaptation of the centuries old right to voice an opinion through petitioning government.

Description:

E-petitions make use of software which allow the posting of petitions online where others can register their support.

An effective e-petition contains a well thought out “request” what it is that the petitioner wants the accountable body to do, or stop doing. It includes the name of the owner and lists the supporters. The greater the number of signatures the more likely the e-petition is to have an impact.

Once visible on an e-petitions web site, people can show support by adding their name, e-mail and postal addresses to the e-petition. An e-petitioner application is used to create and host e-petitions that could include associated online discussion forums, email updates and feedback web pages.

Following the close of an e-petition, a report is produced setting out the number of signatures, their reliability and summarising discussion comments for and against.

Used For:

• Getting a large number of signatures in support or against proposals
• Encouraging more transparency in decision-making which can lead to sustained community engagement.
• Greater opportunity for informed debate, if the e-petition is accompanied by additional information.

Suitable participants:

Anyone with computer and internet access can post E-petitions

Cost:

Low

Once the system is set up it can host a large number of E-petitions. Processing the volume of information and responding to requests can be time consuming.

Time Requirements:

Usually E-petitions are allowed to be online for a few months to give people time to sign the petition.

When To Use / What It Can Deliver:

You should use e-petitions when:
• You want to get a large number of signatures in support of your petition
• You want to be able to encourage more engagement than by a paper-based equivalent.
• You want to provide people with easy access to greater information and background to the petition. Information can be displayed on the website, a forum can be set up to allow participants to discuss and an administrator can respond to email queries.
• You want to provide feedback to people by email.
• You want people to openly (although maybe anonymously) comment on a proposal.

When Not To Use / What It Cannot Deliver:

You should not use e-petitions when:
• You want an in depth discussion of an issue
• You want to develop people’s thinking on a topic.

Strengths:

• Monitoring of e-petitions shows that they are used by men and women, the young and old, and from all parts of the country.
• They allow people to find others who are campaigning about issues that are important to them.
• Increased awareness of what issues other people find important.
• Encourages participation and engagement from people who previously may have never been involved in anything, or signed anything before.
• E-petitions are more easily circulated and signed than their paper-based equivalent.

Weaknesses:

• Not representative of the population. The 'silent majority' are not given a voice.
• Opposing views may be overshadowed by the dominating petition.
• Media coverage may bias responses (number of signatures).

Origin:

eDemocracy

E-Petitions are an online version of paper based petitions.

Case Studies:

Downing Street e-petitions (CaseStudies)

Related Methods

Restrictions In Use

None

Further Information

International Centre of Excellence for Local eDemocracy
Lichfield District Council
Frog Lane
Lichfield
Staffordshire
WS12 6YY

Telephone: +44 (01543) 308101

Email: carol.pepper@icele.org

Web: http://www.icele.org

Browse all methods