Here are answers to some of the questions we hear a lot in the elections office. If your question isn't answered here, let us know. State law requires a period after election day for 'canvassing' or completing and verifying the election returns.
Absentee voters have until election day to mail their ballots.
We must count all ballots postmarked or received by election day. The signature on every absentee ballot must be verified before we can count the ballot. After verification we give the voter credit for voting, and then open the ballots to get them ready for counting. The Whatcom County Canvassing Board must review the procedures followed during the election, and the vote counts. The County Auditor, the chair of the County Council, and the Prosecuting Attorney comprise the Board.