Rhode Island requires 1,000 valid signatures from voters located in any of the state’s 39 cities and towns, as well as up to four electors. Of course, we need to collect many more than 1,000 signatures to ensure that we have a sufficient number of valid signatures.
We petitioned in a wide variety of locations following the opening of the petitioning period on July 3, including at popular beaches and a ferry, in busy commercial areas in Providence near several colleges, at a fireworks show, a bus depot, parks that draw lunchtime crowds and outside grocery stores.
At some locations, people recognized Peta from Jezebel coverage, and a few people recognized Yari from his speaking engagement at Rhode Island College earlier in the year.
In areas where there was visibly more oppression and poverty, we focused on our candidates’ backgrounds, as well as the key political issues. We noted that they are long-time organizers for workers’ rights, women’s rights and against police brutality.
For those that expressed complete dissatisfaction with elections, including strong opposition to both major candidates, or who were not registered to vote, we offered them literature, and found that they gladly took them and agreed with much of the 10-point program.
