Political Participation in the Form of Online Petitions: A Comparison of Formal and Informal Petitioning

Abstract

This paper contributes to the field of e-participation by studying e-petitioning on both formal and informal petition bodies. The aim is to contribute to the understanding of the features of formal and informal e-petition platforms as well as the characteristics of the e-petitions. A formal kansalaisaloite.fi and an informal e-petition platform adressit.com in Finland were compared using quantitative content analysis. By examining the differences between formal and informal platforms, this paper sheds light over citizens' political behavior in the form of online petitioning. The varying formality of the platforms was reflected in their features and e-petitioning processes. Furthermore, formal and informal e-petitions differed regarding their initiators, text length, topics, preparation quality, rationality, affectivity and connections to other types of media. E-petitions on the formal platform are better prepared, show more signs of rational argumentation, and more often concern controversial topics.