If you have been thinking about running for local office in Whatcom County, the window to make it official opens next Monday. Candidate Filing Week runs from Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8, 2026, giving prospective candidates the opportunity to submit their Declaration of Candidacy for offices on the November ballot.
Whatcom County Auditor Stacy Henthorn is urging anyone considering a run to review the Candidate Filing Guide before the week begins. The guide covers which offices are open for election this year, required filing fees, and important regulatory details that can change from one cycle to the next. Henthorn has noted that requirements and regulations evolve annually, making the guide an essential starting point.
Candidates have several options for filing their Declaration of Candidacy. Online filing through the Washington State Candidate Portal opens at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8. Those who prefer to file in person can visit the Whatcom County Auditor's office at 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103, in Bellingham during normal business hours throughout the week. Filing by mail, email, and fax are also accepted.
Local offices on the ballot in Whatcom County typically include county council seats, judicial positions, port commissioner races, fire district positions, school board seats, and a range of special district posts. The specific offices open this cycle are listed in detail on the county's candidate resources page.
For residents who have watched local debates from the sidelines or felt that community concerns were not getting enough attention at the county level, this is the practical entry point. Filing fees vary by office and are published alongside each race description. There is no minimum experience requirement for most local positions -- what matters is meeting the residency and eligibility rules spelled out in state law and the Candidate Filing Guide.
Whatcom County's November 2026 election is shaping up to be an active one. The county recently completed a public hand count of ballots from the April 28 special election, and the Auditor's office is also recruiting volunteers to serve on voters' pamphlet writing committees for the August primary. All of these civic functions depend on residents who are willing to step up, whether as candidates, volunteers, or informed voters.
The Candidate Portal for online filing is managed by the Washington Secretary of State's office and is the fastest and most secure method. Candidates who file online receive confirmation immediately. Those filing by mail are advised to allow extra time for delivery before the May 8 deadline.
For questions not answered by the guide, the Whatcom County Auditor's Elections Division can be reached at the Grand Avenue office during filing week. Staff will be available to assist candidates navigating the process for the first time. More information and all candidate resources are available at whatcomcounty.us/CandidateResources.
