Primary Election: Three Contenders Vie for Open Whatcom County Council Seat

Overview of the Whatcom County Council District 2 Race

Three candidates are running for the open Whatcom County Council District 2 seat, which covers northern Bellingham, including neighborhoods such as Columbia and Silver Beach. This district is one of five on the seven-member council, with two at-large members also serving. The current representative, Todd Donovan, is not seeking a third term, making this election an important opportunity for voters to shape the future of the district.

The County Council plays a crucial role in local governance by making laws, appointing advisory committee members, and controlling the budget. All races are nonpartisan, and only registered voters within District 2 are eligible to vote in this contest. Under Washington's primary rules, the top two candidates will advance to the general election on November 4.

Elizabeth Boyle: Focused on Housing and Community Health

Elizabeth Boyle, a resident of Bellingham, is an organizational consultant with experience in community health, the opioid crisis, youth well-being, and tribal environmental advocacy. She has worked with the Bellingham Schools Foundation and serves on the board of the YWCA, which provides shelter and support for women and children.

Housing is Boyle’s primary focus, and she emphasizes its importance as a foundation for public health. “The lack of affordable housing is the most urgent issue facing Whatcom County,” she said in an interview with the League of Women Voters. Her plan includes building more housing, strengthening renter protections, and expanding access to emergency shelters and transitional housing.

Boyle holds a degree in business administration from West Virginia University and previously owned two businesses. She has served in PTA leadership for 12 years and has received endorsements from the Nooksack Indian Tribe, several labor unions, and the 42nd Legislative District Democrats. Through July 16, her campaign reported nearly $22,000 in contributions, with over $17,000 coming from individual donors.

Maya Morales: Advocating for Affordable Housing and Social Justice

Maya Morales, another candidate for the District 2 seat, is a member of the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art and women’s studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages from the School for International Training Graduate Institute in Vermont.

Morales focuses on housing and poverty as key issues, advocating for quality affordable housing and workforce development. She previously worked with the WA Low Income Housing Alliance and supported the People First Bellingham initiatives, including a ban on facial recognition technology and predictive policing software. She is also the founder of WA People's Privacy, which advocated for the My Health My Data Act.

Morales has received endorsements from organizations such as LPAC, FairVote Washington, and the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington. Through July 16, her campaign reported over $6,400 in donations.

Mike Cullum: Emphasizing Public Safety and Education

Mike Cullum, a principal at Mary Purcell Elementary School in Sedro-Woolley, brings a background in education and public service. He has served on the Whatcom County Civil Service Commission and is concerned about affordable housing and behavioral health. Cullum emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to housing, including reviewing zoning and permit requirements while ensuring safety and environmental concerns are addressed.

He also highlighted the need for improved facilities for the Sheriff’s Office, suggesting a new location for the department. Cullum holds degrees in education and school administration from Western Washington University and has extensive experience in elementary and middle school education.

His campaign reported over $7,100 in donations through July 16. Unlike the other candidates, he has not listed any specific endorsements.

Election Information and Voting Details

All voting in Washington is conducted by mail. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on August 5 and postmarked by that date. Postage is free, and ballots can also be placed in one of 20 drop boxes across Whatcom County. In-person services are available at the Whatcom County Courthouse, with extended hours on Election Day.

U.S. citizens can register to vote or update their registration online or at the office. Accessible voting units are available for those requiring assistance. Voter registration and address changes must be received by the Whatcom County Auditor's Office by July 28. For those who have not received a ballot, contacting the office is recommended.

This election presents a unique opportunity for residents of District 2 to influence the direction of local governance and policy. With three strong candidates offering different perspectives on key issues, the race promises to be competitive and impactful.