David Lombardo is reporting for Capitol Confidential state lawmakers have adopted a measure that would lower the threshold for candidates in local elections to make the ballot this year. The action was a response to a new law that moved state and local primaries from September to June. The accelerated election timeline means candidates for local offices like in village, town or city races will have to start collecting signatures this month — four months earlier than usual. And it could mean that campaign volunteers will have to battle the winter weather and limited daylight to collect signatures. The legislation must still be sent to the governor for his approval. The petition process begins Feb. 26. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.