Watch Out For Signature Gatherers In SJC OCDA Says

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — When you're walking up to your local grocery store, or run across a table with hand-drawn ballot initiative signs, it's time to stop and think before you sign your name on the dotted line. Those people behind the table are most likely professional signature gatherers, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office.

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas has warned voters to be cautious as the election season brings a large influx of professional signature gatherers. These are individuals who park outside of stores and explain upcoming election items in hopes of adding your name to their tally. According to a Los Angeles Times report, often signature gatherers can make up to $5 per name.

According to Rackauckas's office, Orange County residents may face potentially dozens of ballot initiative petition efforts competing for signatures in order to qualify for the November ballot. Petitioners regularly frequent supermarkets and coffee shops, and sometimes even go door-to-door to obtain signatures.

"Orange County residents are urged to thoroughly understand what they are signing before lending their signature to any petition effort," Rackauckas said in a recent release. "Petitions often mislead the public and hide important details in the fine print that signature gatherers often don’t share with signers."

Tips for Residents on Signature Gatherers:

• Avoid being manipulated or bullied by petition gatherers by declining to sign any petitions until you have had a chance to fully read the fine print.
• Review a copy of any initiative on your own time, and then decide for yourself if you want to lend your signature.

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