If you’re interested in running for office in Whatcom County this November, get ready to file your Declaration of Candidacy. Candidate filing week is May 17 – May 21, 2021. To view offices open for election this year, visit our website https://voter.votewa.gov/ScheduledRaces.aspx?y=2021&c=37.
County Auditor Diana Bradrick advises prospective candidates, whether running for re-election or for the first time, to review the Candidate Filing Guide available on the Auditor’s website at https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1730/Candidate-Resources. The guide contains information candidates need to know before they file through certification of the election. Requirements and regulations can change from year to year so this is a great resource, Auditor Bradrick said.
Candidates are encouraged to file their Declaration of Candidacy online at: http://www.whatcomcounty.us/1891/File-for-Office. Online filing begins at 9:00 am, Monday, May 17 and closes at 4:00 pm, Friday, May 21.
For candidates unable to file online, you may complete a paper Declaration of Candidacy and return it by mail or in person. A candidate may mail the Declaration of Candidacy form accompanied by the filing fee to the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office, Election Division, 311 Grand Ave., Suite 103, Bellingham, WA 98225. Filings may be received by mail beginning May 3 but will not be processed until official filing week. Filings must be received by 4:30 pm on May 21. Any filing received before May 3 or after the deadline will be rejected and returned to the candidate.
In person filing opens May 17 at 8:30 am and ends May 21 at 4:30 pm. The last day to withdraw candidacy is Monday, May 24. The lot draw to determine what order candidates will appear on the ballot, will be held virtually on Friday, May 21st at 4:45 pm and more information can be found at https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3699/Candidate-Lot-Draw..