The Whatcom County Auditor's Office has issued a formal notice for the August 4, 2026 Primary and Special Election. Ballot packets will be mailed to all registered voters on July 15, with most residents expected to receive their ballots by July 21. The election covers both the August primary and a special election being held on the same date.
Washington State conducts all elections by mail, meaning registered voters automatically receive a ballot at their address of record. There are no polling places to visit on Election Day. Instead, voters complete their ballots at home and return them by mail or at an official drop box before 8 p.m. on August 4. Postmarks do not count -- the ballot must be received by the county by the deadline.
The Whatcom County Auditor's Office operates a Voting Center at 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103, in Bellingham, available throughout the election period for in-person services. The Voting Center can assist with voter registration, ballot replacement if your ballot is lost or damaged, and accessible registration and voting aids for people with disabilities. The office can be reached by phone at (360) 778-5102.
Voters who have not yet registered or who have moved since the last election should update their registration before the registration deadline. In Washington State, voters can register online, by mail, or in person. For same-day registration and late registration options, the Whatcom County Voting Center is the place to go. Online registration and ballot tracking are available at VoteWA.gov, the state's official voter portal.
If your ballot does not arrive by July 21, or if it is lost, damaged, or never received, you have options. The Auditor's Office can issue a replacement ballot in person at the Voting Center. Replacement ballot packets are also available to print online at VoteWA.gov for voters who need to submit by mail. Do not wait until August 4 to address a missing ballot -- allow extra time for mail delivery.
The August primary in Washington uses a top-two primary system, meaning all candidates from all parties appear on the same ballot and the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation. This applies to state legislative races, county races, and other partisan offices on the ballot. The special election being held concurrently on August 4 will address one or more specific ballot measures -- full details will be included in the ballot packet voters receive by mail.
Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on August 4, 2026. Drop boxes are located throughout Whatcom County, including in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, and other communities. Drop box locations can be confirmed at VoteWA.gov. For full voter service information, contact the Whatcom County Auditor at (360) 778-5102 or visit the county elections page.
