Maryland started using government-printed ballots in 1890. Prior to 1922 the number of signatures required for a statwide minor party or independent candidate was 500. From 1922-1957 the requirement was 2,000 signatures. From 1957-1967, the requirement was 5,000. (Thanks to Richard Winger of Ballot Access News for those numbers.) In all this time, Maryland never had a "crowded ballot".
A high signature requirement has never kept a large number of "frivolous" candidates off Maryland ballots - in fact, the number of political parties with ballot access in Maryland has gone UP as the signature requirement has gone up, not the other way around. There have never been more than six ballot-qualified parties during any Presidential election in Maryland. Statistically, when the signature requirement was lower (from 1922-1967) there were fewer ballot-qualified parties in Maryland. After the requirement went over 5,000 signatures (1967-now), the number of ballot-qualified parties in Maryland has gone up. (This data is available here.)
There is no evidence to prove that a high signature requirement serves to check the number of parties on the ballot - in fact, the reverse is true. The number of political parties on Maryland ballots is determined by factors such as the need for alternative voices in politics, issues which a two-party system do not give attention to, and national movement for change - not by the requirements set by Maryland law.
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