Whatcom County ballots mailed for top-two primary election; deadline to return them is Aug. 6

Ballots were mailed this week in the Aug. 6 primary, where Whatcom County voters will elect members of the state Legislature and other federal and statewide offices, including president, governor and members of the U.S. House and Senate.

Local primary races in Whatcom County also include fire protection districts and precinct committee officers from the Republican and Democratic parties. PCOs only appear on the primary ballot if there are two or more candidates who filed.

All partisan races in Whatcom County will be on the primary ballot, even if there is only one or two candidates.

Washington state’s presidential primary was March 12, with President Joe Biden winning the Democratic Party nomination and former President Donald Trump winning the Republican Party nod.

Washington state has a “top-two” primary system, meaning that the two candidates with the most primary votes will advance to the Nov. 5 general election regardless of party affiliation.

All voting is conducted by mail.

Ballots must be postmarked, not simply mailed, by 8 p.m. Aug. 6 or placed in an official drop box.