The phrase "a petition was circulated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of distributing a petition to gather signatures or support for a cause.
Example: "In response to the proposed policy changes, a petition was circulated among the community to gather support for the initiative."
Alternatives: "a petition was distributed" or "a petition was shared".
A petition was circulated on behalf of Jake (Topiary) Davis, a member of LulzSec, who needed help paying his legal fees.
A petition was circulated online to demand an apology, but it was too late: Anonymous had posted the transcript of Richmond and Mays's probable-cause hearing, and it, too, had neglected to redact her name.
A petition was circulated asking Mr. Goldstein and his wife not to extend the house at all, complaints were made to the Buildings Department, and as of last week, both of his original neighbors have sold their homes.
A petition was circulated, arguing: This undoubtedly is the most unique historic VISTA in our nation because it captures in time and place that fateful day when the future of our young nation hung in the balance.
A petition was circulated that 25 parents signed in protest.
Quite some time ago, a petition was circulated to "Light the White House Gold".
Soon a petition was circulating to nominate him as Australian of the Year.
A petition was circulating in the Rancho area near La Cañada High School by residents who wanted the city to install speed bumps along Alminar Avenue to calm traffic there.
Secondly, there is a petition being circulated to light the White House gold for childhood cancer awareness month in September 2013.
You can support this important legislation to bring real change to our environment and improve the lives of the thousands of people who live and work around our nation's ports by signing a petition being circulated by the Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports.
A petition is circulating among listeners.
