What is the minimum percentage of registered voter signatures required for a petition?

The correct answer is that a minimum of 10% of registered voter signatures is generally required for a petition. This percentage reflects a common standard used in many jurisdictions to ensure that there is a significant level of community support for the issues being petitioned.

Requiring a substantial percentage helps to prevent frivolous or minor issues from cluttering the ballot and ensures that only matters with a considerable backing from the electorate are brought forth for consideration. The 10% threshold strikes a balance that encourages civic engagement while also maintaining a level of barrier to entry for initiating petitions, which can be necessary to maintain the focus and integrity of local governance.

This percentage may vary by state or local law, but 10% is a widely accepted minimum in many places, underscoring its importance in the context of citizens' rights to petition for their causes.