Ballots in the mail: Primary includes two County Council seats, library tax
Ballots were mailed Wednesday to all Whatcom County voters for the Aug. 5 primary election.
On the ballot are primary races for Whatcom County Council Districts 2 and 3, Port of Bellingham Commissioner District 2, city of Blaine Ward 2, city of Sumas, and tax levies for Sedro-Woolley School District 101, South Whatcom Fire Authority, Hospital District 304, Point Roberts Public Hospital District and Whatcom County Rural Library District.
For primary races, the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the Nov. 4 general election. All offices in the off-year election are nonpartisan.
All voting is by mail in Washington state. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. Aug. 5, and must be postmarked — not simply mailed — by that time. Postage is free. Ballots can also be placed in one of 20 special drop boxes located around Whatcom County. Drop boxes opened Wednesday.
There are 137,530 active registered voters in Whatcom County, according to the Auditor’s Office website.
In-person services are in Suite 103 of the Whatcom County Courthouse at 311 Grand Ave. Auditor’s Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Election Day hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Those who didn’t receive a ballot should contact the Auditor’s Office at 360-778-5000 or elections@co.whatcom.wa.us.
U.S. citizens can register to vote, update their registration and get a replacement ballot online or at the office. Registration and voting aids are available. An accessible voting unit is equipped with visual and audio technology. Voters requiring assistance can vote on the accessible voting unit starting July 16.
Voter registration and address changes online or by mail must be received at the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office by July 28. Address changes and voter registration are available in the Auditor’s Office until 8 p.m. Aug. 5.
