As Americans head to the polls in a midterm election that could reshape the country’s political landscape, voters in Bellingham, Washington, are expressing frustration over the economy, the political climate and the direction of the United States. With ballots being counted and results still unfolding, control of Congress remains a key focus, with voters weighing in on issues ranging from the cost of living to President Donald Trump’s leadership. For many voters in Bellingham, the economy is front and centre. “I’ve lived in Bellingham for 15 years now, and it’s insane how prices have increased, but wages haven’t,” said one local after voting. Another voter said they have taken on a second job just to afford living in the city. “I think the one thing everyone can agree on is that it’s just not working.” The frustration is shared by some who have made the decision to become American citizens specifically to have a say in the country’s political future. One dual Canadian-American citizen said they pursued citizenship so they could vote. “I became a citizen so I could vote because I was so uncomfortable about the direction the country was heading in,” they said. But not everyone is looking for a change in leadership. “I’m a Trump supporter, and I really feel he’s doing a great job,” another voter said. Business impact The political divide is also being felt beyond the ballot box, including by businesses that rely on Canadian customers. At the Wild Buffalo House of Music in downtown Bellingham, co-owner Craig Jewell says Canadian visitors have historically played an important role in the venue’s business. Some touring artists skip Vancouver, making Bellingham a destination for Canadian music fans. Jewell recalled one show featuring Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong that was promoted specifically to Canadians, with 85 per cent of the audience coming from north of the border. But that cross-border traffic took a significant hit. “Particularly two years ago, Canadians just stopped coming,” Jewell said. He says the venue felt the impact of the political and economic climate, particularly after tariffs were introduced, forcing the business to adjust. “When you have a large chunk of your clientele gone, which it really did. It just disappeared once those tariffs came in. It affects your bottom line negatively,” Jewell said. The venue has since seen Canadian customers begin to return, something Jewell hopes will continue. He says the relationship between the two countries is too important to be overshadowed by political tensions. “I despise it,” he said of the growing division. “Growing up where you would have Republican friends and Democrat friends, and we all got along.” Jewell says the business is ultimately about bringing people together, something he believes is increasingly important in a politically divided climate. “We are your neighbour. So we’re here to be neighbourly,” he said. While Washington state traditionally leans Democratic, political divisions were evident among voters in Bellingham. Western Washington University political analyst Todd Donovan says the national stakes are significant, with control of both the House of Representatives and Senate up for grabs. Before election results began coming in, Donovan said the House appeared particularly vulnerable to a shift in control, while the Senate race was expected to be more competitive. He cautioned against assuming a major Democratic victory, saying polling expectations could prove overly optimistic. Donovan says affordability and the cost of living are likely to be among the biggest issues motivating voters. “These midterm elections are referendums on the president’s party in Congress,” Donovan said. He says voters may not necessarily distinguish between the causes of rising prices, including tariffs and other economic pressures, but they often hold the party in power responsible. “Whether the higher cost of living, inflation, the higher cost of diesel and fuel is the president’s fault or not, they’re holding the bag for it,” Donovan said. The political analyst says the outcome could have major implications for Trump’s ability to advance his agenda. If Democrats gain control of the House, they would take over committee leadership and gain greater investigative powers. If they also win the Senate, Donovan says that could mean increased scrutiny of the president and more attempts to block his agenda. However, any changes resulting from the election would not take effect immediately. The new Congress is scheduled to take office in January. For voters in Bellingham, the election is about more than which party controls Washington. Some are concerned about the economy, others remain firmly behind Trump, while some say participating in the democratic process is essential regardless of political affiliation. “Freedom, liberty, we are striving for a more perfect nation, and it’s an evolution,” one voter said. “Unless we’re participating, we’re not going to be striving for a more perfect union.”
