May Hays: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235., 240 & .320 for failure to timely & accurately report contributions, and disclose sponsor identification on political advertising. (EY25 JUL25)

The first complaint alleged that May Hays (the “Respondent”) violated RCW 42.17A.320 by failing to include sponsor identification (ID) on political advertising, specifically signs and banners. The second complaint alleged that the Respondent violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely and accurately report contributions, based on 1) a late C-3 report, dated 5/31/25, that was filed 55 days late; and 2) a discrepancy between the ending balance for the candidate’s 2021 campaign and beginning balance for her 2025 campaign and a late C-3 report.

However, based on the attached findings and pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), this serves as a formal written warning concerning the Respondent's failure to 1) include sponsor ID on signs/banners as required per RCW 42.17A.320; and 2) timely and accurately disclose all contributions and expenditures for 2025 pursuant to RCW 42.17A.235 and .240. Staff expect the Respondent to include sponsor ID on all political advertising and timely file all required reports in the future. The Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules. 

The Respondent also made a minor or ministerial error on a required report (C-4 report) which did not materially harm the public interest. She made the necessary technical correction (to amend her campaign start date so the correct 2025 beginning balance now appears) within 2-14 days of being notified by PDC staff, as required for a matter resolved as a technical correction. See WAC 390-37-060.

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