WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County residents dropped off their ballots and watched as election results came from across the country as official in-state results linger on the horizon.

In Lynden, the Whatcom County Republican Party gathered at the Lynden Rotary Club to watch as election results trickled in. In attendance to the event were Ray Pelletti and Kamal Bhachu, among others. My Bellingham Now’s Ellie Coberly reported that the event was well-attended, and the atmosphere was emotionally charged. Attendees were worried about election fraud but feeling optimistic.

The Whatcom Democrats headed to Hotel Leo in downtown Bellingham to watch live election updates. Joe Timmons, Alicia Rule and others attended the event. Jason Upton reported that around 200 people attended the event, and guests were enthusiastic about its turnout. The crowd’s energy was both hopeful and anxious as updates came in.

Whatcom County residents of all political leanings gathered at several events in downtown Bellingham, including watch parties at Nelson’s Market, The Wild Buffalo and The Orion. Tensions were high as customers ate and drank, watching election results come in. Some opted to attend a non-political event at Rumors Cabaret, where no election coverage was played, and conversations avoided the topic.

Photos by Sam Kristofferson, Thalia Coulter, Jason Upton, Ellie Coberly and contributor Benjamin Fritz

The Wild Buffalo in downtown Bellingham hosts an election watch party open to people of all political leanings. Photo by Benjamin Fritz

A sign outside the Wild Buffalo promotes Tuesday’s election watch party. Photo by Benjamin Fritz

The sign atop Bellingham’s historic Herald building is lit red, white and blue. Photo by Benjamin Fritz

Nelson’s Market in Bellingham’s York Neighborhood plays live election results while guests enjoy a spaghetti dinner special. Photo by Thalia Coulter

Voters cast their ballots at the Whatcom County Courthouse. Photo by Sam Kristofferson

Voters gather at a ballot drop box in the parking lot of the Whatcom County Courthouse. Photo by Sam Kristofferson

Several people cast their ballots in downtown Bellingham. Photo by Sam Kristofferson

A man wears a patriotic outfit at The Wild Buffalo’s election watch party. Photo by Thalia Coulter

Attendees at Hotel Leo’s watch party watch live election results. Photo by Jason Upton.

Guests discuss election updates at Bellingham’s Hotel Leo. Photo by Jason Upton.