Whatcom County Democratic Party: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.405 for receiving and keeping over limit contributions (EY20, Jan22)

Case

#102127

Respondent

Whatcom County Democratic Party

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on December 29, 2021. The complaint alleged that Whatcom County Democratic Central Committee, a county bona fide political party committee, may have violated RCW 42.17A.405 for accepting an over-limit contribution in excess of $5,500 from one source during calendar year 2021.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Treasurer Cheyanna Strickland on behalf of the Respondent, and the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent. Staff also queried the Respondent’s data in the PDC contribution and expenditure database.

It appears that the late reporting of WCDCC Exempt activity was due to a general misunderstanding of the reporting requirements and a lack of knowledge about the use of ORCA. Staff found no evidence that the Respondent made these errors intentionally to mislead the public.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to accurately file the Exempt activity in a separate account does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Whatcom County Democratic Central Committee - Exempt will receive a formal written warning concerning failure to accurately disclose contribution and expenditure activity in the Exempt funds account. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that WCDCC accurately files all future required reports of contributions and expenditures. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

January 05, 2022

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.405