WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Ballots are now out for next month’s primary election in Whatcom County.

The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office mailed out ballots on Wednesday, July 15, and drop boxes are now open for the Aug. 4 primary.

Under the state’s “Top 2 Primary” system, two candidates in each race will move on to the November general election ballot, regardless of party affiliation.

This year’s primary features several key races for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, four seats in the state House and a seat in the state Senate. My Bellingham Now has conducted interviews with the U.S. Congressional candidates, airing them on KGMI NewsTalk 790 AM/96.5 FM in a series. You can find podcasts for Edwin Feller and Devin Hermanson‘s interviews on My Bellingham Now.

It also includes local races for Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney and two seats on the newly-expanded Port of Bellingham Commission.

In addition, voters will decide on property tax levies for Fire District 1 (serving Everson, Nooksack, Deming and the Nooksack Indian Tribe), Fire District 21 (serving Lynden, Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer, Laurel and Semiahmoo) and Glacier Fire and Rescue.

The deadline to register or update voter registration online or by mail is July 27.