The phrase "several petitions" means that there are multiple requests or formal appeals made to someone in power, usually signed by many people, hoping for a specific outcome or action. Full definition
He has authored numerous state and federal appellate briefs as well as several petitions for certiorari to the United States Supreme Court. (nlrg.com)
The Herald, has seen several petitions sent round the country warning each dignitary visited by the Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, to ignore him and his Akwamu Home Coming 2017. (ghanapoliticsonline.com)
Despite their lifelong immersion in abstractions, Yukawa and Tomonaga became active in the antinuclear movement and signed several petitions calling for the destruction of nuclear weapons. (scientificamerican.com)