If you are interested in running for office this year, get ready to file your Declaration of Candidacy. Candidate filing week is May 16 – May 20, 2022.
Candidates can find information regarding offices open for election, Candidate Filing Guide, filing for office, and lot draw results on the Whatcom County Candidate resource webpage at https://www.whatcomcounty.us/candidateresources .
County Auditor Diana Bradrick advises prospective local candidates to review the Candidate Filing Guide. 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 using the candidate portal found on the Candidate Resource page under file for office. The online filing portal opens at 9:00 am, Monday, May 16.
Candidates unable to file online will need to complete a paper Declaration of Candidacy, found on the Candidate Resource Page under file for office, and return it by mail, email, fax, 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 2 but will not be processed until official filing week. In person filing will open at 8:30 am and electronic filings by fax or email will open at 9:00 am, Monday, May 16.
All electronic filings must be received by 4:00 pm and in person filings must be received by 4:30 pm on Friday, May 20. Any filing received before May 2 or after the deadline will be rejected and returned to the candidate.
Candidates filing for precinct committee officer should verify their current precinct as many precincts have changed with recent redistricting changes. The best way to ensure a proper filing for the correct precinct is to use the online filing option.
The lot draw to determine what order candidates will appear on the ballot, will be held on Friday, May 20 at 4:45 pm. The last day to withdraw candidacy is Monday, May 23.
For additional information contact the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office, Election Division at
(360) 778-5102.