Lewis County Democratic Central Committee: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely file expenditure reports. (EY25 MAR25)

Case

#169672

Respondent

Lewis County Democratic Central Committee

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaints filed by Conner Edwards on March 28, 2025, July 16, 2025, and August 7, 2025. The complaints alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately disclose contributions and expenditures on C-3 and C-4 reports.

It appears that the late, and missing or incorrect reporting done by the Committee was due to lack of oversight and unfamiliarity with the election related accelerated reporting schedule requirements in RCW 42.17A.235. Staff found no evidence that the errors were intentional or otherwise meant to conceal campaign activity from the public.

The Committee completed a Statement of Understanding (SOU) and paid a $150 civil penalty in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), acknowledging violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and RCW 42.17A.240 for failing to timely and accurately file five C-3 reports and the January 2025 and February 2025 C-4 reports. The $150 penalty assessed resolves the allegations listed in this case for the complaint filed on March 28, 2025.

The PDC received the second complaint on July 16, 2025, after the Committee had already completed the SOU and paid the $150 civil penalty, so staff could not include the additional allegations as part of the SOU.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Lewis County Democratic Central Committee is receiving a formal written warning concerning failure to timely and accurately disclosure expenditures alleged in the second complaint filed on July 16, 2025, and failure to timely and accurately disclose a deposit as alleged in the complaint filed on August 7, 2025. This formal written warning includes staff’s expectation that the Committee timely and accurately file all future required reports of contributions and expenditures. The Commission will consider this 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 has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding (SOU)

Date Opened

April 01, 2025

Areas of Law*

RCW 29B.25.090/42.17A.235, RCW 29B.25.100/42.17A.240

*On January 1, 2026, RCW 42.17A was recodified to RCW 29B

Documents

Penalties

Total penalties: $150

Balance Due: $0

Lewis County Democratic Central Committee

Penalty
$150 (Statement of Understanding)
Payments
$150 on 07/16/2025 (PAID - SOU)

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