LWV Bellingham/Whatcom County
LightNews LightNews
lwvbwc.bsky.social
LWV Bellingham/Whatcom County
@lwvbwc.bsky.social
77 followers 33 following 210 posts
Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.
Posts Replies Media Videos
lwvbwc.bsky.social
Repeated investigations and studies have found no evidence of widespread instances of noncitizens voting. Implementing the added scrutiny proposed by this initiative would be a costly and disenfranchise a significant number of ELIGIBLE voters.

Learn more ➡️ lwvwa.org/IL26-126
Blue background with white, red, yellow text that reads: "Why the LWVWA opposes I-126: It creates unnecessary costs and burdens for WA Counties. Implementing I-126 would create a number of additional and costly measures that are completely unnecessary."
November 21, 2025 at 5:58 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
In trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist (noncitizens voting in WA) I-126 instead creates real harm to WA’s elections and many of its eligible voters.

Learn more about why I-126 is harmful ➡️ lwvwa.org/IL26-126
Blue background with red, white, and yellow text. Image text reads: "Why the LWVWA opposes I-126. We believe registration should serve the voter. I-126 would make the ballot less accessible for eligible voters in WA."
November 21, 2025 at 2:33 AM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
... AND those with mobility issues or who live in rural areas. AND workers who cannot take time off to wait in line to present the required documentation. AND Washingtonians who can’t afford to get the required documents.

Keep WA elections accessible. Decline to Sign I-126. ➡️ lwvwa.org/IL26-126
A transparent image of three people smiling at the camera and holding US Flags and "I Voted" stickers with a blue background fading to red and includes a graphic of question marks. Image text reads: "Who will I-126 impact? 1. 3 out of 4 Washingtonians without enhanced licenses. 2. The roughly 38% of Washingtonians without passports. 3. 1.6 million married WA women whose current name does not match the one on their birth certificate."
November 19, 2025 at 5:37 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
Legislators can then:

🟨 Adopt it as written
🟨Decline to act (sends it to Nov. 2026).
🟨Approve an alternative initiative for the November 2026 ballot. This would appear next to the original.

Keep Washington elections accessible. Decline to Sign I-126.

Learn more ➡️ www.lwvwa.org/IL26-126
A transparent image of the WA Capitol building in Olympia with a blue background fading to yellow. Image text is blue and white and reads: "What is an 'initiative to the Legislature?' I-126 is an initiative to the Legislature. If it meets it's signature requirements it will go to WA's Legislature.."
November 18, 2025 at 5:41 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
I-126 would require WA voters to provide proof of citizenship. To move I-126 forward, supports must turn in 308, 911 signatures from registered voters by Jan 2, 2026.

Learn more ➡️ www.lwvwa.org/IL26-126

Keep Washington elections accessible. The LWV recommends you Decline to Sign I-126.
A blue background and a transparent image of mail-in ballots. There is also a graphic of three question marks. Image text is blue and red and reads: "What is IL26-126?"
November 18, 2025 at 1:53 AM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
League 101: HOW the League does advocacy. 🪧🗣️

The League IS an action group. How do we take action?

🟦 Lobbying
🟦 Letters to public officials
🟦Panel discussions
🟦Testifying at public hearings
🟦 Use of public forums and media
🟦 League newsletters

Learn more ➡️ lwvwa.org/what-the-lea...
A red background and transparent image of a group of people holding signs. The prominent sign reads: "Your vote, your voice. Claim your rights" with a LWV logo at the bottom. Image text is yellow, white, and blue and reads: "The League 101. How the League does Advocacy?"
November 17, 2025 at 2:09 AM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
What is advocacy in the League? 🤔

It's grassroots and nonpartisan. We study all viewpoints and reach consensus before we take action. The LWV never supports nor opposes candidates/political parties, but always works on vital issues.

Learn more ➡️ lwvwa.org/what-the-lea...
Blue background and transparent image of a close up of a group holding signs. The prominent sign reads: "No more excuses! Voting rights now!" with a LWV logo at the top. Image text is red, blue, and yellow and reads: "The League 101. What is advocacy in the League?"
November 16, 2025 at 1:56 AM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
How does the LWVWA takes positions? 🤔

We use a time-tested method:
✅ Our members study an issue and use local league meetings to develop a consensus.
✅ A written statement of the position is adopted and approved by the Board.

To see our positions or learn more ➡️ lwvwa.org/league-posit...
Yellow background and transparent image of two women wearing LWV shirts and holding signs that say "voting is people power." Image text is red and blue and reads: "The League 101. How does the LWVWA take positions?"
November 15, 2025 at 1:51 AM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
How can you make change? Commit to Unite and Rise 8.5 ➡️ www.lwv.org/uniteandrise
A purple background and transparent image of a large crowd at a protest. On top of this is a silhouette of a row of people with their fists raised and holding signs. Image text is white, purple, and yellow and reads: "What is Unite and Rise 8.5? It's the League's movement to empower 8.5 million individuals to unite and rise up to protect and preserve our democracy. Why 8.5? Studies have found that nonviolent protests that engage at least 3.5% of a population have never failed to bring about change. 3.5% of the 245 million eligible voters in the US in 2024 is 8,575,00."
November 14, 2025 at 12:00 AM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
Last week, the LWV of the United States announced the formation of the Unite and Rise 8.5 Advisory Committee, a diverse group of leaders from across sectors who will provide strategic counsel and elevate the campaign’s mission to protect and strengthen democracy through partnership. ⬇️
White background with a purple rectangle at the bottom. There is a yellow "swoosh" mark across the purple. Above that are photos of the new Advisory Committee members. Text is black and reads: "Meet LWV's Unite and Rise 8.5 Campaign Advisory Committee." Text reads: "Our democracy is strongest when we lead together. Partnerships are how we move from moments of resistance to movements of resilience. By bringing together trusted voices and new allies, we're laying the groundwork for a democracy that can withstand challenges and grow stronger for generations to come." Text reads: "The Unite and Rise 8.5 Advisory Committee includes: 1. Erica Chenoweth, Political Scientist and Activist. 2. Sheri Collins, Director of Sales and Marketing, Speaking Division, The Shark Group. 3. Errin Haines, Managing Editor, The 19th. 4. Larissa May, Founder and Executive Director, #HalfTheStory. 5. Bishop Dwayne Royster, Executive Director, Faith in Action." Text reads: "These advisors will work with the League to strengthen the campaign's strategic vision, identify opportunities for greater impact, expand the campaign's influence in different sectors, and help the League build authentic relationships with new communities across the country. Their collective experience across media, faith, academia, and business fields will help the League meet this pivotal moment with innovation and intention."
November 13, 2025 at 12:00 AM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
Why was my ballot challenged? 🤔

Most often, ballots are challenged for signature problems. Bottom line: If your ballot was challenged, it can be fixed and WILL still be counted if 'cured' in time.
our graphics, each with a blue background and transparent images. The first has a ballot, the second and third are a hand signing a paper, and the fourth is a checkmark. Image text is purple and yellow and reads: "1. No signature. You didn't sign your ballot at all. (Hey, mistakes happen!), 2. Signature is incorrect. When you signed your ballot it didn't match the one on file for you. Maybe you didn't sign YOUR ballot (you signed your spouses instead). You can 'cure' your ballot! A letter with instructions to 'cure' your ballot (i.e. fix the problem) will be sent to you—along with a postage paid return envelope."
November 11, 2025 at 5:41 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
In a time where not all news is based in truth, it’s crucial to grasp the do's and don'ts of disinformation. 🔎
A yellow background and a transparent image of a laptop and computer code. The first image has a graphic of a smartphone with a chat box that says "hoax" coming out of it. Text reads: "DOs and DON'Ts of disinformation." A yellow background with the "Drake" meme that features Drake looking dismissively away from the disinformation don'ts and pointing approvingly at the disinformation dos. Text reads: " Don't click or share and don't engage publicly. DO verify before you share, do question the content, do share accurate info."
November 10, 2025 at 5:14 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
Make sure you check the status of your ballot. Ballot statuses:

🟪 Received = your ballot was received, but not yet reviewed.
🟪 Accepted = your ballot was reviewed and accepted.
🟪 Rejected/challenged = Your ballot has an issue. You will be contacted with instructions to fix it!
Blue background with a graphic of a smartphone. The phone's screen has a screenshot from VoteWA.gov. Image text is purple, yellow, and white and reads: "1. visit votewa.gov, 2. Log in and select "your ballot & voting materials" tab, 3. See your ballot's status!"
November 9, 2025 at 11:25 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
Curious about how the election turned out? You can see the results on the @secstatewa.bsky.social website! See the results ➡️ bit.ly/3yjarJd
Blue and purple background. It features a graphic of a laptop and a smartphone and both have a screenshot from the 'Election Results and Voters' Pamphlet' website linked above.
November 8, 2025 at 4:01 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
🗳️ How does WA State secure our vote? 🗳️

Election officials also follow specific protocols AFTER elections to keep our votes secure. Learn more ➡️ www.sos.wa.gov/elections/vo...
White background, split into thirds. Two thirds have text and a graphic of a ballot box. Text reads: "How does WA state secure our vote? Post-election." The last third has red question marks and a blue and red LWV logo.
November 7, 2025 at 5:58 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
🗳️ How does WA State secure our vote? 🗳️

Protocols are followed DURING every election to make sure our votes are secure. Learn what they are ➡️ www.sos.wa.gov/elections/vo...
Yellow background split into thirds. Two thirds feature text and a graphic of a ballot box. Text reads: "How does WA state secure our vote? Pre-Election." The last third has yellow question marks and a LWV logo.
November 6, 2025 at 5:12 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
Curious about how the election turned out? You can see the results on the @secstatewa.bsky.social website! See the results ➡️ bit.ly/3yjarJd
Blue and purple background. It features a graphic of a laptop and a smartphone and both have a screenshot from the 'Election Results and Voters' Pamphlet' website linked above.
November 5, 2025 at 10:02 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
🗳️ How does WA State secure our vote? 🗳️

WA state does a number of things BEFORE each election to ensure that our votes are secure. Learn more ➡️ www.sos.wa.gov/elections/vo...
Blue background split into thirds. Two thirds feature text and a graphic of a ballot box. Text reads: "How does WA state secure our vote? Pre-Election." The last third has yellow question marks and a LWV logo.
November 5, 2025 at 5:37 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
🙀 TODAY is Election Day 🙀

Ballots MUST be POSTMARKED—meaning picked up by USPS not just in a mailbox, so make sure the mail hasn't been picked up for the day yet—or in a drop box by 8PM to be counted!

Find a drop box ➡️ www.whatcomcounty.us/1863/Ballot-...
Blue background with a repeating pattern of yellow ballot boxes. There is a photo of a brown tabby cat holding a yellow megaphone and wearing yellow sunglasses. There is a speech bubble coming out of the megaphone that says: "Return your ballot by 8PM!" Above this is purple and yellow text that reads: "Election Day. November 4." There is also a white LWV logo at the bottom left corner.
November 4, 2025 at 5:41 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
Voting is a process! And we know it's sometimes an overwhelming one, especially when it comes to choosing a candidate. Let us help! We've conducted short interviews with candidates for races across Whatcom County.

Watch the interviews and learn more ➡️ bit.ly/496iGIr
Blue background with a transparent background with a light bulb and repeating question marks. There is also a graphic of an orange tabby cat thinking with question marks above it. Image text is purple and yellow. It reads: "Voting is a process... sometimes an overwhelming one. Our candidate interviews can help!" There is a LWV logo at the bottom left corner.
November 4, 2025 at 2:56 AM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
Why are local elections critical to democracy? Find out! ➡️ www.lwv.org/blog/why-loc...
Blue background with a transparent image of the old City Hall building in Bellingham. The first graphic also has the same image of City Hall with a yellow background and white question marks with a white LWV logo. Image text is purple, yellow, and white and reads: "Why are local elections critical to democracy?"
November 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
💡Did you know? 💡

AVUs are available until 8PM on Election Day! They present choices on the ballot on a monitor with a touch screen or a selection tool. You can also use headphones to listen to the text on your ballot. AVUs must be wheelchair-accessible and screened from other voters for privacy.
Blue background with yellow, purple, white, and blue text. At the top right corner are two light bulbs. One bulb is colored in yellow and the other has a LWV logo inside. Image text reads: "Did you know? Whatcom County has an accessible voting unit (AVU) that is equipped with visual and audio technology. Nov 4 is Election Day!"
November 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
What are school boards? 🤔

School boards are not in charge of the district’s day-to-day operations (that’s the district’s superintendent), but they set the policies and goals for the district (the superintendent implements those policies). Learn more ⬇️
A white background with a repeating pattern of purple question marks. Image text is yellow, purple, white, and blue. It reads: "They have two major roles: Representing the concerns of citizens and parents to the school administration and representing the needs of the school district and the students back to citizens and parents. School boards also Appoint the district superintendent (and can dismiss them), approve district budgets, and can initiate community conversations on topics like school safety, health services, and racial and gender equity. A school board’s impact on community quality is very considerable, it’s an important race even if you don’t have kids!"
November 1, 2025 at 10:00 PM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
Haven't even STARTED the voting process yet? Don't fret! We've got you. ✅

Find candidate forums/interviews, ballot drop box locations, and even MORE resources ➡️ linktr.ee/LWVBWC

In-person registration continues at the Whatcom County Auditor's Office until 8PM on Election Day (Nov 4).
A four panel meme. The first three panels have a ghost coming up behind a werewolf and saying "boo." However, the werewolf is not scared or startled. In the fourth panel the ghost says "Election Day is Tuesday" and successfully scares/startles the werewolf (who says "AHHHH!!!"). White and black text below the meme read "Return your ballot by 8PM on Nov 4."
November 1, 2025 at 12:01 AM
lwvbwc.bsky.social
What does the Port of Bellingham do? 🤔 SPOILER: It serves all of Whatcom County.

Learn more below and check out our candidate interviews ➡️ bit.ly/3J03Adc

Be sure to vote by August 5!
Yellow background with repeating purple question marks. Image text is purple, blue, and yellow. It reads: "Candidate Job Descriptions. Port of Bellingham. They are responsible for policy direction and oversee the Port's operations—including managing the Port of Bellingham, Blaine Harbor, and the Bellingham airport and planning for their future, developing business, industry, housing, and parks in those locations, providing security and emergency services, extending broadband in the county, and more. The Port of Bellingham serves all of Whatcom County." There is also a white LWV logo at the bottom left.
October 30, 2025 at 10:16 PM