Drew Bono: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide complete sponsor identification on campaign advertising. (EY25 JUL25)

Case

#176405

Respondent

Drew Bono

Complainant

Debora Nelson

Description

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

Applicable Laws and Rules
RCW 42.17A.320 requires that all political advertising supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot proposition include the sponsor's name and address. Previously, campaign yard signs 4 feet by 8 feet or smaller were not required to include sponsor identification. The Washington State Legislature removed that exemption by passing House Bill 2032 in 2024. In 2024, yard signs printed prior to the effective date of the law were exempt from the new requirements. Starting in 2025, all yard signs, regardless of when they were printed, must have sponsor identification.

Background and Findings
Drew Bono is a 2025 candidate for Arlington City Council and has advanced to the 2025 General Election.
The PDC received a complaint alleging the lack of complete sponsor identification on political advertising on July 12, 2025.
Bobo is a first-time candidate and, as noted in the complaint, Bono's sign lacked a mailing address, which is required to meet the requirement of full sponsor identification on campaign signs.
Bono responded to PDC staff and noted they ordered weatherproof stickers with the required information and placing the stickers on both sides of signs lacking the required information.

Summary and Resolution
Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that Drew Bono 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 is reminding you about the importance of complete sponsor identification on political advertising. Bono is expected to comply with PDC statutes and rules in the future.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

July 25, 2025

Areas of Law*

RCW 29B.30.050/42.17A.320

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