Phones, laptops, and other electronic devices are more than just conveniences, they are the tools by which we operate in and navigate the modern world. The goal of this petition is to inspire local governments to allocate a part of their infrastructure budget to the construction of charging stations across major U.S. cities (to start). 

Who does this help? Ideally, anyone... we can all remember a time when a device, either dead or with too low a battery, has been troublesome. In addition, access to charging ports is not universal. For the homeless or people in less than stable living conditions, a smart device can be an invaluable asset; however, a phone or tablet's worth cannot be exercised without power. Public charging stations -- not affiliated with retailers -- can provide significant benefits to those in adverse circumstances: literal empowerment. 

Charging stations are an obvious addition to modern cities. So much of what we do relies on electronics that safe, public charging stations seem as natural a public utility as drinking fountains.