To quote [1] "After a user creates a petition, he or she will receive a direct link to that petition that may be sent to friends, posted on social networks, or

To quote [1] "After a user creates a petition, he or she will receive a direct link to that petition that may be sent to friends, posted on social networks, or otherwise shared in order to gain signatures for the petition. If the petition meets a pre-set signature threshold within a designated time period, the petition will become visible to individuals browsing or searching the White House website. If enough users sign the petition to reach a second pre-set signature threshold within that time period, the White House commits to respond to the petition in a timely fashion. The White House may also elect to respond to any petition before it reaches the first or second threshold. Once the White House responds to a petition, it is closed to additional signatures." That last sentence implies that a petition will continue accepting signatures, irrespective of any thresholds or deadlines, right up to the point where a response is posted. Surely that means that there is great value in continuing to promote and sign this original petition? A steady stream of signatures over time would attract attention in the system and demonstrate ongoing support. Eventually it might grow to the point where it is impossible to ignore. [1] https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/how-why/moderation-policy https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/how-why/moderation-policy ---- Addition: Indeed, the signature count is still ticking over (gone from 53136 to 53149 in the last 15 minutes). Listing "popular" petitions [2] shows that the petition is significant, currently ranking #8 in terms of number of signatures collected. [2] https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petitions/popular/0/2/0 https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petitions/popular/0/2/0