Mass. Senate Bill Would Lower Signature Thresholds For Congressional Campaigns Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill that aims to address concerns about gathering signatures for candidates during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

The Massachusetts Senate Committee on Rules released a bill Friday that would lower the signature threshold during the 2020 state election for those running for U.S. Senate from 10,000 signatures to 5,000 signatures and for U.S. House candidates from 2,000 signatures to 1,000 signatures.

The bill would also lower signature thresholds to 500 for the governor's council and county offices, except in Nantucket and Dukes counties, where nomination papers for county offices must be signed by at least 25 voters.

The Senate plans to take up the bill Monday.