Bellingham votes on House, state measures amid tight national margin

Voters in Bellingham, Marysville, and Lake Stevens are heading to the polls or processing their mail ballots on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026. According to Ballotpedia, Washington state polls close at 8 p.m. local time, and the state conducts its elections largely by mail. Residents in these communities are deciding the outcome for every U.S. House seat in the state, along with state and local offices and measures that vary by county. The day marks the midpoint of President Donald Trump's second term, with the results determining who controls Congress for his final two years in office.

Washington state does not have a U.S. Senate election or a gubernatorial race on the ballot this year. Instead, the focus is on the federal House, the state legislature, and specific ballot measures. The Associated Press describes the national election as a referendum on the current administration, with voters struggling with high prices and expressing anger over an unpopular war with Iran. In the Pacific Northwest, the local contests will determine the state's delegation to the House, which currently includes incumbents from both parties competing for re-election or facing challengers.

The national stakes for the U.S. House are exceptionally narrow. All 435 seats are up for grabs, with Republicans currently holding 218 seats and Democrats holding 214, plus one independent and vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, while Republicans can afford to lose no more than two seats to maintain control. This razor-thin margin means that performance in any single district, including those in Washington, could influence the balance of power in the chamber.

Ballotpedia identifies 46 battleground districts nationwide, where the outcome is uncertain. Among these are 25 districts held by Democrats and 21 held by Republicans. The complexity of the race is highlighted by the fact that 21 districts currently held by Democrats voted for President Trump in 2024, while nine districts held by Republicans voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris. In Washington, voters are choosing between candidates who have survived primary contests, with several incumbent members of the House facing opponents from the opposing party in the general election.

Statewide, Washington voters are also weighing in on significant ballot measures. Initiative 1 addresses public education governance, specifically related to parental rights to review educational materials and opt children out of certain health education. Initiative 645 proposes to repeal the state tax on household income over $1 million and prohibit state and local taxes on individual income. These measures reflect the broader economic concerns cited by the Associated Press, where about seven in ten U.S. adults say the country is heading in the wrong direction and blame the president for high prices.

Turnout is a critical factor in this midterm election. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure that mail ballots are counted on time. In Washington, where mail voting is the primary method, the timely processing of these envelopes is essential for determining the final count. Voters in line when polls close are entitled to vote, and ID rules vary by state, though Washington's rules are consistent with its mail ballot system.

The mood among party leaders reflects the tightness of the race. Republicans are bracing for the possibility of losing the House while fighting to hold the Senate, with the Associated Press noting that one or two seats could tip either chamber. Democrats are described as cautiously optimistic, with their campaign chair stating that the American people are angry and want change. The national financial commitment is substantial, with the 2026 elections likely becoming the most expensive in history, aided by significant spending from Trump-affiliated groups and individual donors.

President Trump has been active in the campaign, holding dozens of rallies and making claims about voting procedures. He recently stated in Kansas that he wants voters to pretend he is on the ballot, emphasizing his influence over the outcome. His administration has also been involved in legal disputes regarding election administration, including lawsuits in Alaska and California related to the certification of results and the handling of ballots cast by suspected noncitizens. These actions have raised concerns among Democrats about potential interference and the protection of local election officials.

Locally, the Bellingham Tribune notes that the outcome in Washington's districts will be part of the larger national puzzle. The state's delegation will be determined by the preferences of voters in cities like Bellingham, Marysville, and Lake Stevens, who are casting ballots for House representatives and state legislators. The results of today's election will set the stage for the legislative agenda in the coming years, with potential implications for oversight, investigations, and the cost of living if Democrats gain control of even one chamber of Congress.

The Associated Press reports that Wall Street is watching the election closely, as the results could add to investor concerns about spending and debt ceiling negotiations. The election is not just about who holds the gavel but also about the direction of economic policy and government oversight. As polls close at 8 p.m. in Washington, voters in Whatcom and Snohomish counties are making their final choices, knowing that their votes contribute to the three-seat margin that will define the next two years of congressional leadership.

Voters in the region are reminded to check their sample ballots and ensure their mail ballots are submitted or delivered on time. The election is a decisive moment for the state and the nation, with the outcome of the House race hinging on small differences in turnout and preference in key districts. The Bellingham Tribune will continue to cover the results and the implications for local and state governance as the votes are tallied and the new congressional map is finalized.