BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A prospective candidate for Bellingham Mayor is facing a major hurdle in getting his name on the August ballot.

In a post on their website, the Whatcom County Auditor’s office said that Joel Johnson chose to gather signatures from supporters in lieu of paying a $2,100 filing fee.

Candidates who choose to file by petition must have over 2,200 valid signatures in order to appear on the ballot.

Johnson submitted over 2,500 signatures, but only 1,750 were approved by the Auditor’s office.

286 other signatures will undergo a second review starting at 8 a.m. Friday, May 26th.

Public observers will be allowed to watch the verification process.