WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The newsroom at My Bellingham Now and KGMI is keeping you up to date with this year’s local and presidential election. Scroll down to see reoccurring updates from watch parties and events around Whatcom County as well as live updates on statewide elections and the presidential race.

 

 

STATEWIDE RACES AND INITIATIVES RESULTS

For all statewide races and initiatives, we will be updating ballot counts as soon they are released by the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office and the Washington Secretary of State.

To read more about the initiatives on this year’s ballot, click here.

As the evening unfolds, our reporters who are stationed throughout Whatcom County will be sending in updates from watch parties and public events. As those updates come in, they will be posted below.

Jason Upton: Whatcom Democrats Election Night at Hotel Leo in downtown Bellingham

7:32 p.m. – At the Democratic watch party at Hotel Leo, we are hearing from a lot of people about the general enthusiasm for the turnout here. Several have described their feelings towards the presidential race as “cautious optimism.” A rough estimate of 200 people are in attendance this evening. 

8:06 p.m. – An older man knitting while he nervously watches the results calls the room “nauseously optimistic.” He says he’d rather be anxious with a room full of people than alone. 

8:16 p.m. – The crowd becomes more and more quiet over the span of 30 minutes as people look to get a boost from the local races.

8:46 p.m. – A burst of energy emerges at Hotel Leo after the local results come in from the Whatcom County Auditor. The area is much livelier, more conversation but a bit hampered by the presidential election playing in the background. 

Ellie Coberly: Whatcom County Republican Party Election Night Watch Party at the Lynden Rotary Club

7:40 p.m. – The Mount Baker Rotary club is a full house on election night. Emotions are high and attendees steadily anticipate results as they’re coming in. Conversations are covering multiple topics, but one that stands out is the idea of voter fraud at the county level. Attendees are referencing claims of ballots being returned “glued shut” and that the auditor’s office should be watched closely. 

8:20 p.m. – Ample conversation and food are shared at the Mount Baker Rotary club in Lynden on election night. Ray Pelletti and Kamal Bhachu mingle with members of the Whatcom County Republican Party, sharing feelings of anticipation and optimism. The atmosphere is calm, but Pelletti says “give it 15 minutes” before the room livens. Group photos are taken with shouts of “Trump!” before the shot is taken. Trump hats and various merch are being raffled off, with the grand prize being tickets to the 2025 Lincoln Day Dinner. 

Thalia Coulter: Downtown Bellingham

5:58 p.m. – Nelson’s Market in the York Neighborhood of Bellingham is hosting an election watch party, complete with a spaghetti dinner special. The energy in the room is nervous but positive as results trickle in. Co-owner Ben Shaklee, who took over the business a few years ago, is passionate about continuing Nelson Market’s legacy as a community hub. 

6:40 p.m. – At the Wild Buffalo in downtown Bellingham, dozens of people are gathered to enjoy pizza and beverages while watching live election updates on the big screen behind the stage. Co-owner Craig Jewell wants the night to be an opportunity for people of all political leanings to engage with the election and connect with the community. Attendees at the venue are nervous but excited as election results roll in. 

8:00 p.m. – The environment at The Orion in downtown Bellingham is more downcast as results continue to come in. A handful of people are gathered in the back room of the bar to watch live election updates on a projector screen. Guests sip on drinks as they watch CNN’s report, showing that former President Donald Trump is still ahead. A voice yells “Let’s go Harris!” from the corner of the room. 

8:50 p.m. – Rumors Cabaret on Railroad Avenue is holding a specifically non-political event tonight. Employees of the establishment declined to comment, opting to keep their minds off politics for the night.

 

Editor’s note: This article will continue to be updated by MBN staff to show updated information. Last updated at 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 6, 2024.