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Date: 9/15/2026
Subject: LWV Bellingham/Whatcom - The Voter, September 2026
From: League of Women Voters Bellingham/Whatcom County

Behind the Black Robes - How to Vote for Judges

With five out of nine Supreme Court Judges on our November ballots, there may not be a more important race this fall. Are you wondering who to vote for? What makes a good judge? We have help for you!

Please join us at the Behind the Black Robes event on Saturday, September 19th at Whatcom Community College, Syre Center. It will be a fun and very informative morning including a panel with three women judges and coffee after which many of the Supreme Court Candidates will be attending.

Don't miss this event!

RSVP Today

More on the Supreme Court: The Bellingham City Club is presenting a forum for candidates for the five open positions on the Washington State Supreme Court on Oct. 2 at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club. Tickets can be purchased on the City Club website, bellinghamcityclub.org

There has been great work lately to advocate NO on on IL26-001 and IL26-638 but our work is not done until election day. If you missed our campaign kick off in August, you can see the video here.

Over 500 postcards will be mailed the second week of Oct. with the message, “I am voting NO on these harmful initiatives because every Washington student deserves privacy, dignity and safety. I hope you’ll join me.

However, our work is not done until election day. Take the time to learn about these initiatives, talk to your friends, family and neighbors and get out to vote.

Learn More

Get Your 2026 T-Shirts and Yard Signs

T-shirts are available for members and yard signs for anyone who wants to promote voting! A $15 minimum donation is suggested for either of them. Contact Cam to get yours, camkerst@comcast.net

Shout Outs to Some of Our Hard Working Members

Our local league has many dedicated members and volunteers making a difference in our community every day. We'd like to recognize and show our gratitude to:

Kim Finger – Thank you for your contributions to the work and your long dedication to the community and our league. Watch Joy's interview with Kim here..
Karla Ward – Thank you for your work on events at our local Food Bank across the county
Kate Adrianne-Exner – Thank you for your work on events at senior living centers for the upcoming election
Sue Cole – Thank you for arranging events for underserved communities across Whatcom County
Kare-Magrethe Brunner – Thank you for your insights and the source of LWV history you provide
Paula Rotondi – Thank you for 8+ years of dedicated work at Whatcom Community College
Jean Scribner – Thank you for 9+ years of dedicated work with Whatcom public and private high schools

Click below to read more about the incredible work of the LWV members! If you know a member volunteer whose work we should recognize, please call our membership chair, Joy Monjure, 360-303-7391 or click here and select Membership.

Learn More

Welcome New League President Donna Meehan

Donna was born and raised in Montana, but after retiring, chose to move to Bellingham to be close to family. She has been aware of the League for many years and was part of a small group of women in Okanogan County who in 1980 formed a local League.

When she moved to Bellingham she was impressed with the very large and active League here. Since joining in 2019, she has been willing to take on whatever she was asked to do. "While I cannot say I have any particular skills in the League’s many areas, I have a willingness to learn and I am not shy about asking questions and taking on leadership roles in any organization in which I have been involved."

Fall Munro Institute Seminar Features Joanne Freeman

The Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education will present their fall seminar on Oct. 15 and 16, 2026. discussing America 250 - Lessons and Legacies of the American Revolution.

On Thursday, noted historian Joanne Freeman will be the keynote speaker. On Friday, two panels will discuss Preventing Unchecked Power: Legislatures and Liberty from the Founding to Today, and Subjects to Citizens: Civic Action and Social Change.

Learn More

Questions About Legislation? How to Get Answers

Have you wondered what is happening with a bill you supported or opposed? Did you want to contact your legislator about it? Were you intimidated by the Legislature’s website when you tried to access information? There is a wealth of information on the website, but finding it can be a challenge.

The Legislative Information Center is offering virtual classes explaining how to use the website. Don't miss out on these valuable classes. Learn more and sign up today!

Learn More

The Fight to Defend Our Democracy is Ongoing

The fight to defend the rule of law, congressional responsibilities, and long-established democratic institutions and norms is ongoing.

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown is a leader in this fight. With other Attorneys General, our AG has engaged in 74 cases against the current federal administration.

Subscribe to the Leagues blog so you can be notified whenever a new post has been added to the blog.

Stay Informed

Healthcare Issues Team Update

Join us Monday, September 21st as new member Sharon Stash shares about her career in epidemiology, updates us about what is happening in this field, and describe changes to the CDC during Trump 2.0.

Book Group

Our book group will meet on Sept 30 to talk about Enshitification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It.

We will explore the very negative impacts that big tech has had on the internet, but also share some good news.

Join us for the discussion to learn more.

Upcoming Events

Please join us monthly on Wednesdays for Coffee

Wednesday, September 16

10:00 - 11:30 AM Downtown Community Food Co-op mezzanine
1220 N. Forest
Bellingham

If you are new, grab yourself a drink and let’s talk about what interests you and how you might find your place in the League! If you are a longtime member, come get caught up with your friends and let us know how you are doing!

Questions? Want to help with membership engagement? Please call Eileen McCracken 360-746-1984

9/15 | Civics Trivia Night @ El Suenito| More Info
10/2 | Bellingham City Club Forum for Supreme Court Candidates | More Info
9/21 | Health Care Issues Meeting: Epidemiology & CDC Changes Under Trump 2.0 | More Info
9/27 | Celebrate World Rivers Day | More Info
9/30 | Book Group | More Info
10/15-16 | America 250 - Lessons and Legacies of the American Revolution | More Info