I finally gave in.
I’ve sat out the entire four years of the Interregnum without passing on, much less generating, a single politically-motivated net petition, no matter how well-intentioned. Finally, I’ve found something that’s made me break with my principles.
It’s the Guardian’s Operation Clark County. It’s for non-U.S.-citizens only. Upon signing in, you’ll be given the postal address of a randomly-selected voter in Clark County, OH. You’re asked to send them an earnest plea to, er, support the candidate of your choice.
“In the spirit of the Declaration of Independence’s pledge to show ‘a decent respect to the opinions of mankind’, we have come up with a unique way for non-Americans to express your views on the policies and candidates in this election to some of the people best placed to decide its outcome. It’s not quite a vote, but it’s a chance to influence how a very important vote will be cast. Or, at the very least, make a new penpal…Be courteous. Remember that it’s unusual to receive a lobbying letter from someone in another country. Think about how you would respond if you received a letter from Ohio urging you to vote for Tony Blair - or Michael Howard…”