8 Things to Know Before Running for Local Office
September 27, 2023
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JoinRun for City Legislature in Bellingham City, WA
Election Date: Nov 4, 2025Filing Deadline: May 16, 2025
Election Details
- Office level: city
- Length of term: 2 years
- Commitment level: N/A
- Affiliation: nonpartisan
- Typical salary: N/A
- Is this a runoff election? No
- Is this a primary election? No
- Filing period: May 12, 2025 - May 16, 2025
- Positions: Bellingham City Council - At LargeMt. Adams District 209 School Board - District 4Mt. Adams District 209 School Board - District 3Bellingham City Municipal Court JudgeMt. Adams District 209 School Board - District 1...
Job description
The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.
Eligibility requirements
Candidates must be registered voters and residents of the City for 1 year immediately preceding the election // Residence and voting within the limits of any territory which has been included in, annexed to or consolidated with the City is construed to have been residence within the City // Candidates running for City Council must be a resident of the ward for which they seek election. // No City elected officer shall hold any other office or employment within the City government.
Filing instructions
Filing office address: 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103, Bellingham, WA 98225
Filing phone number: 360-778-5100
Paperwork instructions: Submit paperwork to the County Auditor's office.
Filing requirements: Filing fee = 1% of the fixed annual salary at the time of filing, minimum fee is $10.00; In leiu of filing fee, candidates may submit a filing fee petition that includes one valid, registered voter signature for each dollar of the filing fee.
FAQ
How often is City Legislature elected?
The position of City Legislature is typically elected every 2 years.
What does it mean for an election to be nonpartisan?
Nonpartisan elections do not require candidates to declare a party affiliation.
What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Bellingham City, WA?
Filing fee = 1% of the fixed annual salary at the time of filing, minimum fee is $10.00; In leiu of filing fee, candidates may submit a filing fee petition that includes one valid, registered voter signature for each dollar of the filing fee.
Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?
Submit paperwork to the County Auditor's office.
Where is the filing office?
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103, Bellingham, WA 98225.
How can I get in touch with the filing office?
You can contact the filing office by calling 360-778-5100.
How do I get started running for City Legislature?
You can start running for City Legislature by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!
Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?
The next election for City Legislature does not include a primary or runoff election.
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