Bellingham Voters to Decide Three Initiatives on November 3
Residents will cast ballots on local measures regarding municipal contracts, mayoral salaries, and rental price-fixing.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should local governments regulate the use of price-setting software in the rental housing market?
Bellingham voters will head to the polls on November 3 to decide on three citywide ballot initiatives. The measures cover electronic signatures for city contracts, an independent commission for mayoral salary adjustments, and a ban on rental price-fixing algorithms.
Why it matters
Initiative 26-01, which seeks to prohibit software-based rental price-fixing, is a focal point of the election following a unanimous endorsement from the City Council. Proponents argue that algorithmic pricing functions as collusion, while other measures aim to modernize city administrative processes.
Initiative 26-01 was qualified for the ballot through a petition drive by Community First Whatcom. City officials note that algorithmic price-fixing is currently legal but frequently criticized.
The players
Bellingham City Council
This local governing body is responsible for passing city ordinances and has unanimously endorsed the initiative to prohibit algorithmic rental price-fixing.
Community First Whatcom
This organization conducted the petition drive necessary to qualify Initiative 26-01 for the ballot.
The details
Ballots were mailed to registered voters on October 14, and residents may return them by mail or at designated drop box locations. Initiative 26-01 specifically addresses software used to set rental prices, which has been cited for contributing to average price increases of $70 per month.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Ballots were mailed to registered voters.
Monday, October 19, 2026: City Council held a hearing on the price-fixing initiative.
November 3, 2026: The deadline for ballots to be postmarked or placed in a drop box is 8 p.m.
Political Context
Opponents of rental regulation often cite the potential for market distortion when artificial caps are placed on pricing models. Proponents maintain that the legislation is a necessary check against software-enabled collusion that unfairly inflates housing costs for tenants.
The passage of Initiative 26-01 would directly impact local renters by prohibiting the use of specific pricing software in the housing market. Voters also decide on administrative shifts that could alter how the city government handles contracts and executive compensation.
The takeaway
Voters should verify their drop-off locations to ensure timely submission of their ballots by the November 3 deadline. Staying informed on these three measures helps residents understand how local policy shifts could affect housing costs and municipal efficiency.
What happens next
Voters must return their ballots by mail or via drop box no later than 8 p.m. on November 3, 2026. Residents can check their ballot status by texting 868392.
Further reading
For more information on local legislation, visit the City Hall section.
More information
Registered voters can check the status of their ballot through the official state portal.
Live Poll
Should local governments regulate the use of price-setting software in the rental housing market?
