Ballots are in the mail for the Aug. 4 primary. Here’s what Whatcom voters need to know
Ballots went in the mail Wednesday, July 16, for the Aug. 4 primary election, the first one since restrictions have been in place to fight the new coronavirus pandemic, and results could take longer to post.
Voting is by mail, like all Washington elections, and it’s a “top two” primary, meaning that the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election, regardless of party.
But there could be fewer workers to help in the Whatcom County election office and on Election Day because of a county hiring freeze and experienced poll workers who have decided not to work this year because of the pandemic, said Whatcom County Auditor Diana Bradrick said in an email.
That means it could take longer to process ballots on Election Day, Bradrick said.
“So the work will all get done, but it may take more time than usual,” she said. “Where traditionally we have been able to have the majority of ballots in the office processed and in the count election night, there is a possibility that there will be a delay in getting the results posted.”
Bradrick said there will be limits on the number of Election Day observers so those who are interested in watching the count should contact the Auditor’s Office first.
Further, officials are urging Whatcom County voters to use online or mail services for registration, address changes and other business before July 27, the last day for online and mail services.
“With social distancing, if people come into the office they should be prepared to wait in line outside of the office,” Bradrick said. “All of that translates into possible delays in getting work processed because we will have several new people in training in ballot processing and in voter registration.”
Bradrick said the office in the County Courthouse will be open, with masks or face coverings required.
After July 27, paperwork such as registration and address changes must be completed in person.
“We are starting a media campaign (Act Early, Vote Safely) to get voters to make sure they can vote by checking their voter registration status on VoteWA.gov,” Bradrick said.
Voting details
Voters can register up to Election Day, but must do it in person after July 27.
Ballots must be postmarked, not just mailed, by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 4.
Postage is free and Whatcom County offers 18 drop boxes as an alternative to mailing.
It’s recommended that voters use the drop boxes instead of the mail after July 28.
Don’t forget to sign your ballot.
Some 148,879 of Whatcom County’s 221,650 residents were registered to vote as of July 1, according to the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office website.
That’s an increase of nearly 10,000 voters since the November 2016 presidential election, according to historical records at the website.
It’s the most people ever registered in Whatcom County, Bradrick said, and registration could go higher after the primary.
Those who don’t receive a ballot by July 23 should contact the Auditor’s Office at elections@co.whatcom.wa.us or 360-778-5102, Bradrick said.
“That way we can mail them a replacement so they won’t have to come in,” Bradrick said.
Who’s on the ballot?
All statewide offices are on the August primary ballot, from governor to insurance commissioner.
Nonpartisan races with two or fewer candidates aren’t on the primary ballot. Partisan races with just two candidates will be on both the primary and general election ballots.
Washington’s presidential primary was March 10 and won by Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden, who are their parties’ presumptive candidates on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.
Local races feature Whatcom County Superior Court judge positions, both seats in U.S. Congress that represent Whatcom County, both state House seats in the 42nd District covering part of Bellingham and northern Whatcom County, and both state House seats and the state Senate seat in the 40th District covering part of Bellingham and southern Whatcom County — along with San Juan County and part of Skagit County.
Both the Republican and Democratic parties also select precinct committee officers, or PCOs. These are party members who can influence endorsements and help organize at the grass-roots level.
U.S. Congress District 1
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, a Kirkland Democrat, will face six challengers:
▪ Jeffrey Beeler Sr. of Sultan, Republican.
▪ Robert Dean Mair of Redmond, no party preference.
▪ Steven Skelton of Snohomish, Libertarian.
▪ Derek Chartrand of Redmond, Republican.
▪ Matthew Heines of Redmond, no party preference.
▪ Justin Smoak of Bellingham, no party preference.
U.S. Congress District 2
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, an Everett Democrat, will face seven challengers:
▪ Jason Call of Marysville, Democrat.
▪ Timothy S. Hazelo of Oak Harbor, Republican.
▪ Kari Ilonummi of Arlington, Republican.
▪ Cody Hart of Sedro-Woolley, Republican.
▪ James Dean Golder of Oak Harbor, Republican.
▪ Carrie R. Kennedy of Oak Harbor, Republican.
▪ Tim Uy of Bellingham, “Trump Republican.”
40th Legislative District
▪ For the incumbent in position 1, state Rep. Debra Lekanoff, a Democrat from Bow, is unopposed.
▪ Incumbent position 2 state Rep. Alex Ramel, a Democrat from Bellingham, is being challenged by Russ Dzialo, a Republican from Bellingham.
Ramel was appointed in January to finish the term of Jeff Morris, who resigned to take a job in the private sector.
▪ Incumbent state Sen. Liz Lovelett, a Democrat from Anacortes, is being challenged by Charles Carrell, a Republican from Burlington.
Lovelett is seeking her first full four-year term as state senator. She was appointed in February 2019 to finish the term of Kevin Ranker and won a confirmation election in November 2019.
42nd Legislative District
▪ Incumbent position 1 state Rep. Luanne Van Werven, a Republican from Lynden, is being challenged by Democrat Alicia Rule, a member of the Blaine City Council.
▪ Incumbent position 2 state Rep. Sharon Shewmake, a Democrat from Bellingham, is being challenged by Republican Jennifer Sefzik of Custer.
Whatcom Superior Court
In the non-partisan races for judge:
▪ Superior Court judges Robert E. Olson, position 1, Lee Grochmal, position 3, are unopposed and won’t be on the ballot.
▪ For position 2, Presiding Judge Deborra E. Garrett isn’t running for re-election and three people are seeking the post: James Erb, an assistant city attorney for Bellingham; Lisa Keeler, a Bellingham lawyer in private practice; and Evan Jones, a deputy prosecuting attorney in the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office.
▪ For position 4, Superior Court Judge David E. Freeman is facing challengers Carl Munson, a Bellingham lawyer and pro tem judge for Bellingham Municipal Court, and Jim Nelson of Bellingham, a lawyer with experience in criminal prosecution and defense and family law.
This story was originally published July 16, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
