Follow Kelli Linville as she rides the emotional roller coaster of becoming

Bellingham, Washington’s first candidate to unseat an

incumbent in 50 years. She also becomes Bellingham’s first female Mayor.

These images take you into the heart of our election

process here in Whatcom County, Washington. This photographic journey begins in April 2011 with a formal portrait session. It concludes January 2012 with Mayor Linville’s swearing-in during the first City Council meeting of the year.

Martin Waidelich has been a Whatcom County

photojournalist since the late 1970’s. His work was familiar to Bellingham Herald

readers until his departure in the late 1990’s when he started Photos by Martin. His work continues to appear in regional, local and national publications.