The 2026 primary election is around the corner, and July 15 marks the opening of voting centers across Washington. Whether you are a longtime voter or registering for the first time, here is what you need to know about deadlines, how to vote, and what will be on the ballot in Whatcom County this August.
Registration and Eligibility
Washington State makes voter registration available through three channels. You can register online at the Secretary of State's My Vote portal if you have a Washington state driver's license, learner's permit, or state ID, or the last four digits of your Social Security number if you have none of those documents. You can also register by mail or in person at the Whatcom County Auditor's Office.
If you have moved recently, you need to update your registration address before voting. You can do that online through My Vote or in person at the auditor's office. Washington also allows voter registration or address updates at any state driver's licensing office when applying for a new ID.
For the August 4 primary, the deadline for online and mail-in registration is July 27. In-person registration is available at the auditor's office through Election Day itself, though same-day registrations for mail ballots have their own restrictions. Check the auditor's office for specifics if you are registering close to the deadline.
Washington restored voting rights for people with felony convictions as of January 1, 2022. Anyone who is no longer serving a sentence of total confinement under the Department of Corrections has their right to vote automatically restored under state law. Those convicted in another state or in federal court have their rights restored upon release from incarceration. People with misdemeanor or juvenile convictions do not lose voting rights at any point. All eligible voters still need to register separately.
How Ballots Are Cast and Counted
Washington is an all-mail state. Registered voters receive their ballots automatically at their address on file. Ballots for the August 4 primary will be mailed in mid-July. You can return your completed ballot by mail, in a drop box, or in person at the auditor's office or a designated voting center.
Common reasons ballots go uncounted include a missing signature on the outer envelope, a signature that does not match the one on file, or a ballot returned after the deadline. Signature mismatches and missing signatures can be corrected: the county auditor's office will contact voters and provide an opportunity to fix the problem before the official canvass deadline. A ballot postmarked or deposited in a drop box after 8 p.m. on Election Day cannot be counted under any circumstances.
July 15 is the opening date for voting centers, meaning accessible voting locations where voters can cast ballots in person with assistance equipment if needed. The Whatcom County Auditor's Office maintains the current list of voting center locations and hours.
What Is on the Ballot in Whatcom County
The August primary is the first filter for several contested races in Whatcom County. Under Washington's top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes in any race advance to the November general election regardless of party affiliation.
One of the most closely watched local races is the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney contest, where four candidates are competing for the first time since the 1930s. Three work within the prosecutor's office and one is a public defense attorney, giving voters a meaningful choice between institutional continuity and outside perspective. That race is covered in more depth in a separate piece.
Statewide, the August ballot includes races for the Washington State Legislature, the United States House of Representatives for districts covering Whatcom County, and state Supreme Court positions. Several school board seats and special district races will also appear for Whatcom County voters depending on their specific address.
Where to Find More Information
The Washington State Secretary of State maintains the official voter registration portal and a full candidate filing database where you can search for all races on your specific ballot by address. The Whatcom County Auditor's Office is the local authority for registration, ballot delivery, and election questions specific to Whatcom County voters.
The ACLU of Washington maintains a comprehensive guide to voter rights in the state, including detailed information on felony disenfranchisement rules, accessibility accommodations, and what to do if your ballot is challenged. Key date to remember: online registration deadline is July 27, voting centers open July 15, primary Election Day is August 4, and ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. that evening.
