Nathan Orth: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide sponsor identification on political advertising (e.g. yard signs, website). (EY25 JUL25)

Case

#175689

Respondent

Nathan J Orth

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

Below is the email the PDC sent to the Respondent on August 4, 2025, summarizing its findings in PDC Case 175689:

Dear Nathan Orth,

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of a complaint filed with the PDC regarding your sponsor identification (ID) requirements.

Applicable Laws and Rules

• Pursuant to RCW 42.17A.320, all written political advertising[1] must include the name and address of the sponsor[2]. Sponsor identification should appear on the first page or fold of the political advertising, be set apart from any other printed matter, and the font size used must be at least the larger of the following: 1) ten percent of the largest type used in the advertisement; or 2) ten-point type.

• WAC 390-18-010 indicates that all advertising must clearly state that it has been paid for by the sponsor. Additional disclosures may be required, depending on the sponsor and type of advertising used. 

• WAC 390-18-010 and WAC 390-18-030 contain additional information regarding sponsor identification requirements and exemptions for political advertising, and alternatives for online advertising.

[1] Political advertising” is a mass communication used to appeal, directly or indirectly, for votes, financial or other support, or opposition to any election campaign that is intended to reach a large audience via a variety of methods. These methods include, but are not limited to, newspaper, radio and TV advertising, signs, billboards, brochures, fliers, and digital communications and online transmissions such as internet websites, social media, emails, and texts. RCW 42.17A.005(40) and WAC 390-05-290(3).

[2] For the purposes of political advertising, the “sponsor” is the person who paid for the advertising. If a person acts as an agent or is reimbursed for the payment, the original source of the payment is the sponsor.

Background and Findings

• Nathan Orth (the “Respondent”) is a first-time candidate seeking the position of City Council Member for the City of Federal Way in the 2025 election. The Respondent filed a Candidate Registration (C-1 report) with the PDC on May 12, 2025, selected the Mini Reporting option, and is serving as his own campaign Treasurer. He is participating in the August 5, 2025 Primary Election.

• On July 16, 2025, PDC staff notified the Respondent by email that a complaint had been filed alleging that he failed to provide sponsor identification (ID) on political advertising, specifically his website and yard signs. The Respondent replied the same day, said his campaign is entirely self-funded, and indicated his belief that there is no sponsor to disclose. PDC staff provided the Respondent with additional information, and he agreed to make the necessary adjustments as soon as possible. 

• The Respondent updated his website to include full sponsor ID in less than twenty-four hours and said he had reached out to a local printer to obtain appropriately-sized stickers to add to his existing yard signs. 

• On July 25, 2025, the Respondent indicated that he had received stickers from the print shop and updated all his yard signs.

• The Respondent does not have any previous warnings/violations of PDC requirements.

Summary and Resolution

Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that you appear to have violated RCW 42.17A. 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. Based on this, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and WAC 390-37-060(1)(d). 

However, PDC staff is reminding you about the importance of including sponsor ID on political advertising in accordance with RCW 42.17A.320 and WAC 390-18-010 and expect you to comply with PDC laws and rules concerning sponsor ID in the future.

If you have questions, please contact Tabatha Blacksmith at 1-877-601-2828 or by e-mail at pdc@pdc.wa.gov.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

July 15, 2025

Areas of Law*

RCW 29B.30.050/42.17A.320

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

Documents

• 175689 Nathan Orth Complaint.pdf
• OrthYardSign.jpg
• 175689 Nathan Orth Response.pdf