If you're having trouble signing a petition on Change.org, you may encounter specific error messages or technical issues. This article explains common signing errors and how to fix them.

Error: "There was an error submitting your signature"

This is the most common signing error on Change.org. If you see this message when trying to sign a petition, try these solutions:

1. Disable your VPN: Change.org does not allow signing with VPN enabled. Turn off any VPN services before attempting to sign.
2. Disable ad blockers: Ad blocking extensions can interfere with the signing process. Temporarily disable AdBlock or similar extensions.
3. Use Google Chrome: The Change.org website works best on Google Chrome. If you're using a different browser, switch to Chrome and try again.
4. Try a different device or network: Multiple signatures from the same device or IP address may be blocked. Try signing from a different device or internet connection.
5. Verify your email address: Unverified email addresses can prevent signatures from being submitted. Check for a verification email from Change.org in your inbox or spam folder.
6. Try clearing your browser’s cache: Here are the instructions to do this if you use Google Chrome.

VPN blocking: Why can't I sign with VPN enabled?

Change.org blocks petition signing when VPN services are active. This security measure helps prevent fraudulent signatures and ensures signature counts remain accurate. If you use a VPN for security reasons, you'll need to temporarily disable it to sign petitions on Change.org.

Email address not accepted or refused

Some email addresses may be flagged by Change.org's security filters and not accepted when signing petitions. This can happen for several reasons:

● Keywords commonly used in spam accounts: Email addresses starting with certain patterns like account@, noreply@, masteremail@, postmaster@, infomail@, admin@, or mail@ may be automatically flagged.

● Special characters in email addresses: Email addresses containing certain special characters (like a + sign after the username) may trigger security filters.

● Private or uncommon domains: Some private email domains like .biz may not be recognized as valid by the Change.org system.

If your email address is being refused:

● Try logging into your Change.org account before signing the petition

● Use a different email address with a more common domain (like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook)

● Contact Change.org support if you believe your legitimate email address is being incorrectly blocked

Red box around email address field

A red box or border around the email address field indicates an email validation error. This usually means:

● The email format is incorrect (missing @ symbol, spaces, or invalid characters)

● The email address is flagged by security filters (see above)

● The field is required but left empty

Double-check your email address for typos and ensure it follows standard email format: username@domain.com

Additional troubleshooting steps

If the solutions above don't resolve your signing error, try these general troubleshooting steps for Change.org:

1. Log into your Change.org account: Signatures are confirmed automatically when you're logged in.
2. Clear your browser cache and cookies: Cached data can cause conflicts. Here's a guide for clearing cache in Google Chrome.
3. Enable cookies: Make sure cookies are enabled for Change.org in your browser settings.
4. Try incognito or private browsing mode: This eliminates issues caused by browser extensions or cached data.
5. Check your internet connection: A slow or unstable connection can prevent forms from submitting properly.
6. Refresh the page: Close and reopen your browser, then try signing again from the beginning.
7. Restart your device: A fresh start can resolve temporary technical glitches.

Multiple signatures from same device blocked

Change.org's security system may block multiple signatures from the same device or IP address to prevent fraudulent activity. If you're trying to sign multiple petitions or helping others sign, you might encounter this issue. To avoid this:

● Each person should sign from their own device when possible

● Use different internet connections (for example, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data)

● Allow some time between signing different petitions from the same device

Still having trouble?

If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps above and still can't sign a petition, contact Change.org support. Include:

● The petition URL

● A screenshot of the exact error message

● Which browser and device you're using

● The email address you're trying to use

The support team can investigate account-specific issues and help resolve technical problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign without creating an account?

You can sign without logging in, but you'll need to confirm your signature via email. To avoid signing errors and have your signature count immediately, log into your Change.org account before signing. Creating an account is free.

I keep getting blocked when signing multiple petitions - is this normal?

Yes, if you're signing many petitions quickly from the same device or IP address, Change.org's security system may temporarily block further signatures. Wait a few minutes, switch to a different internet connection (like mobile data instead of Wi-Fi), or have each person sign from their own device.

My VPN is for security - are there any exceptions to the VPN block?

Change.org blocks most VPN connections during signing to prevent fraudulent signatures. You must temporarily disable your VPN to sign any petition. After signing, you can re-enable it immediately.

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