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Preventing Fraudulent Signatures in Campaigns and Ballot Initiatives

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Updated: Jan 17


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Introduction to Preventing Fraudulent Signatures in Campaigns and Ballot Initiatives

There have been countless stories in the media about paid canvassers forging signatures during candidate campaigns and ballot initiatives. These stories are more than just headlines—they serve as cautionary tales for campaigns and firms that fail to put the right safeguards in place. Fraudulent signatures not only undermine the integrity of the democratic process but also put campaigns, candidates, and initiatives at risk of legal action and public scrutiny.

Having the right paid team is one of the most important steps in preventing fraud. A strong team has the proper tools, training, and accountability measures to identify and eliminate forgery before it ever becomes an issue. At Black Peak, we know that protecting the legitimacy of every signature is paramount, and we’ve built a reputation as a trusted leader in safeguarding campaigns. In this article, we’ll share key insights and strategies to maintain signature integrity and protect your campaign’s reputation and to prevent fraudulent signatures in campaigns and ballot initiatives.



The Responsibility of the Firm

A good firm doesn’t just hire canvassers and send them out into the field. It starts with setting the tone—serious conversations with canvassers before they even begin working. We’ve learned that taking the time to educate canvassers about the consequences of fraud can prevent problems before they arise. While it might seem like common sense, too many firms skip this crucial step.


We explain, in no uncertain terms, that signature forgery is not just unethical—it’s a serious felony. The penalties for fraudulent activity can include steep fines and even jail time, depending on the severity. These conversations make a lasting impression, ensuring that every canvasser understands the gravity of their role in the democratic process.


Beyond education, good firms stay actively involved throughout the process. They don’t just rely on trust—they review signatures regularly to catch any potential fraud early. Fraud isn’t always obvious, but there are patterns and red flags that experienced teams learn to spot. Here are a few key indicators:


  • The Handwriting Looks the Same: Authentic sheets have natural variations in handwriting. When all the writing appears uniform, it’s a clear signal to investigate further.


  • Similar Signature Formats: Fraudulent sheets often show consistent patterns, such as all signatures including both first and last names, initials with last names, or scribbles that are hard to decipher. Authentic sheets are more varied.


  • Inverted/ Reclined Slants: Inverted, or Left-slanted handwriting is rare. Forensic handwriting has found that inverted slants are usually seen predominantly in people that are left-handed, or suffer from psychopathy. We have also found through years of working on signature gathering campaigns, that canvassers will also use inverted slants in an attempt to disguise their handwriting if they are forging signatures. Sheets filled with left-slanted entries demand closer scrutiny.


  • Consistent Writing Slopes: People’s handwriting naturally slants at different angles, reflecting personality and mood. Sheets where all the entries slope the same—either upward or downward—are likely fraudulent.


  • Identical Loops: Even if a canvasser attempts to mask their handwriting, loops in letters such as 'g,' 'e,' 'p,' and 'o' can be a dead giveaway if the same person is writing. Similarly, loops in numbers like '6,' '9,' and '8' can reveal patterns. Some people create large, exaggerated loops, while others make smaller or more closed loops. If these letters and numbers look identical across a sheet, it warrants further investigation.


  • Perfect Sheets: Real-life signature gathering isn’t perfect. Mistakes happen—misspellings, incomplete zip codes, and variations in style. Sheets that look too perfect may be too good to be true.


These warning signs don’t automatically mean fraud, but they warrant closer inspection. Firms that actively review their work create a culture of accountability and transparency that can make all the difference.


All of the below petitions were all determined to have forged signatures. Can you spot the forgeries?  





Quality Control Checks

Even the most thorough reviews can miss something, which is why the best firms implement rigorous quality control checks. At Black Peak, we believe in going beyond surface-level reviews. One of the most effective methods is requesting data that includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails of registered voters before the campaign even starts.


When something looks questionable, this data allows us to reach out directly to voters and verify whether they signed the petition. If a voter has no recollection of signing, it raises a red flag. And if this scenario repeats across multiple entries, it becomes a strong indicator of fraud.

Quality control isn’t just about catching mistakes—it’s about creating an environment where canvassers know their work will be reviewed. That expectation alone deters fraud and encourages canvassers to take their responsibilities seriously.


Third-Party Validation

Even the best firms know that they’re not perfect, which is why third-party validation is a key part of our process. Bringing in outside experts provides an added layer of protection and ensures that no detail is overlooked.


Third-party validators specialize in checking validity rates and identifying fraud. Their impartial perspective can catch issues that even experienced internal teams might miss. At Black Peak, we’ve had excellent results working with Campaign Depot. Their keen ability to spot fraud gives us added confidence when submitting signatures to government agencies.

Double-checking our work isn’t just about catching errors—it’s about demonstrating to clients and regulators that we hold ourselves to the highest standards. It’s this level of accountability that sets top-tier firms apart from the rest.


What Do Good Firms Do When They Catch Fraud?

Fraud happens—but how firms handle it makes all the difference. In our years in the industry, we’ve seen too many firms turn a blind eye to fraud because they’re focused on hitting their signature goals. This kind of negligence can destroy reputations, derail campaigns, and even lead to criminal charges.


The best firms take swift, decisive action. At Black Peak, our process is clear:

  • Immediate Termination: Any canvasser caught committing fraud is fired on the spot.

  • Signature Removal: Fraudulent signatures are removed from the count immediately and flagged for authorities.

  • Collaboration with Investigators: We work with law enforcement to ensure fraudsters are held accountable.

By taking these steps, we not only protect the integrity of the campaign but also send a clear message that fraud will not be tolerated. Handling fraud properly builds credibility with state agencies, prevents PR crises, and reinforces our commitment to ethical practices.


Building Trust and Credibility

At Black Peak, we’ve built our reputation on integrity, accountability, and results. We know that gathering signatures is about more than just meeting quotas—it’s about protecting the democratic process and earning the trust of voters, clients, and regulators.

Our track record speaks for itself. By deploying the strategies outlined in this article, we’ve helped countless campaigns achieve their goals without compromising their values. If you need to gather signatures for your campaign, reach out to Black Peak today. Let’s make your field campaign a success—and set a new standard for excellence in the process.

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