Pacific County Democratic Central Comm: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to accurately & timely file contribution & expenditures & RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to include complete sponsor ID (EY24-25 MAY25)

Regarding the incomplete C-4 reports for calendar year 2024, it appears that although the Committee omitted details for signs printed and run dates for newspaper advertisement, the instances of these errors were limited. The late March 2025 and July 2025 C-4 reports, and incomplete or inaccurate C-3 report, also for March 2025, had minimal impact on the public. These reports covered a filing period ahead of the 2025 Primary Election, and all but two required amendments were done before the election date as well. Finally, regarding the incomplete sponsor identification on the Committee’s website, staff found there was sufficient information for the public to readily identify the sponsor prior to any edits.

After consideration of all the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of the Fair Campaign Practices Act. Under WAC 390-37-070, the executive director, at any time prior to consideration by the Commission, may dismiss a complaint which on its face, or as shown by investigation, provides reason to believe that a violation has occurred, but also shows that the respondent is in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes or rules, or shows that formal enforcement action is not warranted. The executive director must report at each regular Commission meeting all complaints dismissed.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Pacific County Democratic Central Committee is receiving this formal written warning concerning its failure to accurately and timely file contributions and expenditures on C-3 and C-4 reports during calendar years 2024 and 2025 and failure to include complete sponsor identification on its website. PDC staff expects the Committee to timely and accurately file all future required reports of contributions and expenditures and to adhere to the sponsor identification requirements for future political advertising. The Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action, if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

Any allegations regarding reporting by the Committee for calendar year 2024 that are not otherwise addressed are hereby dismissed.

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).