BELLINGHAM, WA (KGMI.COM) – The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office begins mailing ballots for November’s general election on Wednesday, October 18.

This year’s election is local, with County Executive and several seats on the County Council on the ballot.

County voters will elect a new sheriff and decide on a sales tax increase to fund a new jail and other criminal justice services.

Races for mayor in Bellingham and Ferndale will be on the ballot, as will numerous city council and school board positions.

Bellingham voters will decide on additional rights for renters and whether to increase the minimum wage in the city.

Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day November 7th or placed in an official ballot dropbox by 8 o’clock that evening, to be counted.