FARMVILLE -— Prince Edward native Joe Hines said Friday he has officially qualified for the ballot in a Jan. 10 special election in Virginia’s 22nd Senate District.

Hines, in a news release, said he and his supporters gathered more than 600 signatures — more than doubling the legal requirement for ballot access. Also on the ballot will be Republican Mark Peake of Lynchburg and Democrat Ryant L. Washington of Fluvanna. Hines, who lives in Rice, is running as an independent.

“Everywhere I go, I am overwhelmed by the support of the concerned citizens of District 22,” Hines said. “We need a strong leader who will fight for us, and it is with tremendous humility that I launch my campaign to serve as the people’s champion in Richmond. With more economic development policy set to be determined in the next three years than in any recent period of Virginia’s history, we have incredible opportunity to bring jobs and prosperity home to our district. I’m committed to being the voice this district needs to ensure long-term economic growth.”

Hines, Peake and Washington are vying for the seat vacated by state Sen. Tom Garrett, R-Buckingham, who was recently elected to Congress.