Virginia State Senator John S. Edwards (D-Roanoke) has introduced SB 766, to lower the number of signatures for statewide candidates (whether in a primary or in a general election) from 10,000 to 5,000. The bill is similar to legislation that passed in 2013 that lowers the number of signatures for all presidential candidates from 10,000 to 5,000.

Between 1894 and 1935, independent candidates and the nominees of unqualified parties, for office other than President, didn’t need any signatures whatsoever to get on the November ballot. Between 1936 and 1970 they needed 250 signatures. Virginia did not suffer from an overcrowded ballot during those years. However, in 1970 the non-presidential statewide petitions were increased to 1% of the number of registered voters. That was lowered to one-half of 1% in 1971, and lowered again in 1998 to exactly 10,000 signatures. Thanks to Jim Lark for the news about SB 766.