NORWICH – With 36 names on the list, the Chenango County Board of Elections office has never before had so many candidates file independent petitions in an election year.

“It’s an enormous amount. It’s the largest number we’ve ever had,” said Democratic Commissioner Carol A. Franklin.

The petitions were circulated and filed Aug. 24. The total number may change, said Republican Commission Harriet Jenkins, as time remains for objections. All of the candidates had confirmed their intent to run for office as of the deadline Friday.

Third party candidates can pick their own affiliations, and as expected, to drill or not to drill for natural gas appears to be the most dominate theme. Candidates have adopted: “Earth Friendly,” “Keep Water Safe” and “Clean Water” platforms, for example. Natural gas exploration issues, from road and water use ordinances to outright drilling bans, have dominated the discussion at council meetings in a handful of towns over the past year.

Though not all towns have caucused yet, and the Republican Party primaries aren’t until Sept. 13, the independent petitions filed last week set up additional races for county supervisor. There are five all together at this point: in Afton, Columbus, Coventry, McDonough and Smithville.