Chad Whetzel: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures (EY25 JUL25)

Case

#175874

Respondent

Chad Whetzel

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of a complaint filed with the PDC.

Applicable Laws and Rules

Per RCW 42.17A.235 and .240, a candidate that selects the Full Reporting option on their registration report is required to report contributions and expenditures to the PDC on Cash Receipts Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports) and Campaign Summary Receipts & Expenditures reports (C-4 reports) pursuant to RCW 42.17A.235 & RCW 42.17A.240. The due dates for these reports are based upon the election cycle, the candidate's election participation, and their financial activity.

Pursuant to RCW 42.17A.240(7), expenditures are disclosed on C-4 reports, which must include, but are not limited to: 1) the name and address of each person to whom an expenditure was made in the aggregate of more than $750 during the period covered by the report; 2) the amount, date, and purpose of each expenditure; and 3) the total sum of all expenditures. Purpose details should state the goods or services provided by the vendor, including the number of items purchased, identify any candidates or ballot propositions supported or opposed by the expenditure, and the name & address of any sub-vendors used. For advertising expenditures, campaigns should describe the type and number of ads, where they appeared or were broadcast, and when (e.g. run dates). An in-kind contribution is disclosed like an expenditure on the PDC’s Online Reporting of Campaign Activity (ORCA) software.

Background and Findings

The Respondent filed a Candidate Registration (C-1) on April 26, 2025, for the option of Whitman County Commissioner, Position 3.
Upon review, staff found that the four C-3 reports outlined in the complaint were filed more than 21-days past the due date but more than 21-days before the primary. The contributions reported totaled $3,290 and were comprised solely of personal funds. There were no other contributions reported during the period covered by the reports. The C-4 reports were filed timely.
The C-4 reports outlined in the complaint were missing the quantity for expenditures and the candidate filing fee was not reported as an in-kind contribution but was reported as a non-itemized expenditure. The reporting was amended on July 18 and August 18, 2025, to correct the issues.
The Respondent has no prior warnings or violations in 2025.

Summary and Resolution

Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that the Respondent appears 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). PDC staff has reminded the Respondent about the importance of timely, accurate, and thorough reporting. They are expected to comply with PDC statutes and rules in the future. For more information about PDC requirements, see the 'For Candidates' section of the PDC website.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

July 17, 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