Independent petition circulation
Thank you for helping circulate the Shelly’s Law petition!
By downloading and sharing the petition, you are helping give people an opportunity to learn about Shelly’s Law and decide for themselves whether they want to support it.
Please follow the guidelines below whenever you are circulating petitions or speaking with members of the public, no exceptions. You will see a link to the petition at the bottom of the page, which you can access after you've read the guidelines.
Key reminders
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The petition must be printed as a double-sided document
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Mail completed petition documents to:
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Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation [6348 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 112, Chicago, IL 60646]
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SAYv Animal Organization [1147 Brook Forest Ave., Suite 604, Shorewood, IL 60404]
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Guidelines
1. Stick to the facts.
Please share only accurate information about Shelly’s Law. Do not exaggerate, speculate, make promises, or present opinions as facts.
If you are unsure about an answer, do not guess. Direct people to the official Shelly’s Law website for more information.
2. Never place anything inside a mailbox.
Do not put petitions, flyers, literature, or any other materials inside or on/in a mailbox.
Mailboxes are protected by federal law and are reserved for authorized mail. When in doubt, leave the mailbox completely alone.
3. Respect “No Soliciting” and similar signs.
Please respect signs such as “No Soliciting,” “No Trespassing,” or other notices indicating that visitors or solicitation are not welcome.
Do not argue with residents about their signs or insist on speaking with someone who does not wish to engage.
Where local rules and the property owner's signage permit leaving literature at a residence, you may leave a flyer or petition in an appropriate location where it will not blow away—for example, secured in a door handle. Never enter an area marked “No Trespassing” or otherwise ignore a property owner's restrictions.
4. Do not go door-to-door alone.
For your safety, always circulate petitions with another person whenever possible. Stay together and let someone know where you are canvassing.
5. Be respectful.
You will encounter people who support Shelly’s Law, people who have questions, and people who do not want to participate.
Be polite and respectful regardless of their response. No arguing, pressuring, harassing, or confronting people.
A simple “Thank you for your time” is always appropriate.
6. Do not misrepresent who you are.
Be honest about who you are and why you are circulating the petition. Do not claim to represent a government agency, law-enforcement agency, organization, or other group unless you are specifically authorized to do so.
7. Let people make their own decisions.
Your job is to provide an opportunity for people to learn about and support Shelly’s Law—not to pressure them into signing.
Give people time to read the petition and make their own decision.
8. If someone has questions you cannot answer, refer them to the website.
You do not need to know every detail about Shelly’s Law.
If someone asks a question you cannot confidently answer, simply say:
“I don't want to give you incorrect information. The Shelly’s Law website has the most accurate information and answers to common questions. Please visit shellyslaw.org.”
9. Keep petitions clean and accurate.
Do not alter the language of the petition, add statements to it, or make changes to the petition form unless specifically authorized.
Make sure people have an opportunity to read what they are signing before they sign it.
10. Follow all applicable laws and local rules.
Petition circulation may be subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Follow all applicable requirements regarding petition signing, canvassing, solicitation, trespassing, public spaces, and the handling or submission of petitions.
If you are unsure whether something is permitted, stop and check before proceeding.
Remember: Be safe. Be respectful. Be accurate.
Our goal is to make sure everyone has a positive experience while learning about Shelly’s Law and deciding whether to support the petition.
Stick to the facts. Respect people's property and decisions. Never pressure anyone. And when in doubt, refer people to the official Shelly’s Law website.
Thank you for helping spread the word about Shelly’s Law!
DOWNLOAD THE PETITION HERE
Don't forget to print double-sided