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August 26, 2026: Election Forums – Part 1


Exercise your right to vote and choose to be informed. Join the BCC to see and hear candidates in person, and decide which candidates best serve you. Democracy is not a spectator sport. You and your vote matter.  The City Club will conduct the following candidate and ballot measure forums at our August, September and October meetings:

August 26:

  • 40th State Legislative District Representative, Position 1
  • 42nd State Legislative District Representative, Position 1 (Note: the 42nd District Senate race will be rescheduled)
  • Ballot measures:
    • “Millionaire’s Tax” – Advocating for a “yes” vote: Ryan Frost, Washington Policy Center. Advocating for a “no” vote: Washington State Senator Sharon Shewmake
    • Sex Verification Requirements for Female School Sports Initiative – Advocating for a “yes” vote: Dori Whitford, Mead English Teacher and Track Coach. Advocating for a “no” vote: Ken Gass, M.D.

Coming September 23:

  • 42nd State Legislative District Representative, Position 2
  • Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney

Coming October 21:

  • 40th State Legislative District Representative, Position 2
  • Port of Bellingham Positions 4 and 5

In addition, as you may know, 5 out of the 9 Washington Supreme Court Justice positions will be on the ballot. In collaboration with the Whatcom County Bar Association, the City Club will put on a fourth in-person forum for Supreme Court Justice candidates on October 2, and on September 19, the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County will offer a program, “Behind the Black Robes”, to educate the public on what judges do and what makes a good judge.