Kelsi Hays : Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 and .320 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures and include sponsor address on website. (EY25 JUL25)

Case

#175847

Respondent

Kelsi Hays

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

Allegation: Violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 and .320 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures and include sponsor address on website.
The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed July 16, 2025 by Conner Edwards and dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1). However, staff reminded Hays about the importance of following the reporting requirements for the reporting option selected and including sponsor identification on the candidate’s website.

The complaint alleged the following:

1)     That the $500 deposit of the candidate's personal funds does not appear on the C-4 as a contribution or deposit. Staff suggested that Hays amend her May C-4 to include the first part of the month when the personal funds were received.

2)     That the Schedule A entry for the purchase of yard signs does not list the quantity of yard signs purchased. Staff informed Hays that the quantity purchased needs to be added to the amended C-4 report.

3)     That the purchase of yard signs has been miscategorized as digital advertising. Staff informed Hays that the amended C-4 needs to include a selection of the yard signs category.

4)     That the campaign website fails to include the required "Sponsor Identification" as required by RCW 42.17A.320 and WAC 390-18-010. Staff asked Hays to include the words "Paid for by" with the sponsor's name and mailing address and provided a link to the relevant rule for assistance.

5)     That the campaign has not reported an expenditure or receipt of an in-kind contribution for the cost of the campaign post office box. Staff informed Hays that if she personally paid for the post office box, she should report the cost as an in-kind contribution from herself.

6)     That the campaign has not reported an expenditure or receipt of an in-kind contribution from Hays for her candidate website or filing fee.

Background and Findings

·       Kelsi Hays was a first-time candidate in 2025, running for Tahoma School District No. 409, Director District No. 5. Hays did not advance to the general election.

·       Hays filed a candidate registration on May 14, 2025, selecting the Full Reporting Option. Following receipt of the July 16 complaint, Hays filed an amended candidate registration on July 24, 2025, selecting the Mini Reporting Option.

·       Hays responded to the complaint, stating she had resolved all of the issues identified in the complaint.

Concerning the six items listed in the complaint:

1)    Concerning item 1, Hays deleted the contribution and reported all expenses as in-kind contributions on an amended C-4 report.

2)    Concerning item 2, Hays removed the contribution and replaced it with an in-kind contribution. The number of signs purchased was included in the description of the in-kind contribution.

3)    Concerning item 3, Hays removed the contribution and replaced it with an in-kind contribution that included the number of signs purchased in the description.

4)    Concerning item 4, Hays added the requested sponsor identification.

5)    Concerning item 5, an in-kind contribution for the cost of the campaign post office box has been reported.

6)    Concerning item 6, Hays stated there is no filing fee for the position she was seeking.

Summary and Resolution

Kelsi Hays was a first-time candidate for Tahoma School District No. 409, Director District No. 5 who did not advance to the general election. Hays initially selected the Full Reporting Option but later amended her candidate registration to the Mini Reporting Option. Hays amended her reports to address the issues identified in the complaint and added sponsor identification to her campaign website.

Based on these findings, staff has determined that in this instance, initially filing incomplete C-3 and C-4 reports before switching to the Mini Reporting Option and failing to include sponsor identification on your website do not amount to a finding of a violation warranting further investigation.

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, RCW 29B.30.050/42.17A.320

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