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Date: 8/15/2026
Subject: LWV Bellingham/Whatcom - The Voter, August 2026
From: League of Women Voters Bellingham/Whatcom County



Voter title slide Aug 2026

Why Vote No on State Initiatives IL26-001 and IL26-638

pride flag quilt
On Saturday, Aug. 29, 10:00am to noon, at the Unitarian Fellowship, learn why two state initiatives are opposed by LWV of Washington. A panel discussion will help us understand the League's position and how these initiatives would negatively impact our children so we can advocate for a "no" vote for both.
 

Sharing Our Water

a stream with the caption water is life
On Friday, Sept. 4, from 12pm to 8:30pm, a festival of art, voices and community will take place at the Whatcom Museum's Old City Hall and Lightcatcher. Sponsored by the Whatcom Museum, the Salish Current, and the League of Women Voters' Climate Issue Team, the event will include poetry, an art market, and panel presentations on the importance of water to our community.

Behind the Black Robes - Save the Date!

Scales of Justice
In November, you will be asked to elect five of nine judges to the Washington Supreme Court. How will you decide?
On September 19, 10:00am, at the Whatcom Community College's Syre Auditorium, a panel of judges will discuss what judges do and how they do it. Plan now to attend and RSVP!

Another opportunity: Learn more about the candidates for five Washington State Supreme Court seats in the November election .  Attend the Bellingham City Club's special candidate forum for these races on October 2, at the Bellingham Country Club. Doors open at 11:30am. Tickets will be available through the City Club's website.

Test Your Civics Knowledge!

Trivia Night at El Sueñito Brewing Co.

Image of question marks
Come to El Sueñito Brewing for Trivia Night on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 7:00pm and bring your friends. The League is supplying questions related to civics knowledge, so show up to show off! 


Welcoming Young People to the League

Young men holding vote signs
League membership is open to anyone at least 16 years old. Encourage your children and grandchildren to join and perhaps they can use their membership on their college applications. The Membership and Civics Education Teams will be developing programs that target students and young adults. Dues are "pay what you can," as low as $20.

Questions About Legislation?

How to Get Answers
Washington State Capitol building
The website of the Washington State Legislature can be overwhelming when you're trying to find the status of a bill. No worries--classes and tutorials can help members of the public learn about the legislative process and how to navigate the legislative website.

HealthCare Team Learns About Paratransit

whatcom transit paratransit but
Representives from Whatcom Transit Authority explained how paratransit helps people with disabilities get to the doctor's office, the grocery store, and other destinations essential to their lives. There are some limitations, but the service provides around 200,000 rides each year. Apply for service here.

What is "Proportional Representation"?

"Proportional Representation" is sometimes mentioned as an antidote to gerrymandering. It's the way legislators are elected in many countries around the world. But how does it work? Find out more in our newest short video. Or watch them all--civics education in a minute (or two!)

Is a State Bank in our Future?

Photo of bank sign by Pouria
Presenters Liz Lovelett, 40th Legislative District Senator, and Don Morgan, President and CEO of the (public) Bank of North Dakota, explained at a recent meeting how the Bank of North Dakota operates and how a public bank could operate in Washington if authorized by the State Legislature. A public bank would be created to serve a public mission, not share-holders.


Book Group: Why Everything has Gotten Worse

and What to Do About it
book jacket for Enshittification by cory doctorow
In September the book group will read about platform decay, a process in which two-sided online products and services decline in quality over time. Members are invited to sign up and join in a lively conversation at the Sept. 30 meeting at Village Books.


The League would like to welcome our newest members:

Kerri Marting

Gayle Hoener

Jennifer Foster

Sharon Stash

Shoshanah Epstein
Lori Lyddan

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LWVBWC thanks The Voter editors, Theresa Kingma and Becca Verda

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