Thurston County Democratic Women: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely & accurately report contributions & expenditures & provide required details for in-kind contributions (EY20-23; Aug '23)

Case

#141168

Respondent

Thurston County Democratic Women PAC

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

This case alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely & accurately report contributions & expenditures in election years 2020-2023; and by failing to provide required details for in-kind contributions on reports in election years 2020-2023.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence submitted; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the responses provided by Thurston County Democratic Women (the “Respondent”); the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent; and other relevant information to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on our attached findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, the Respondent’s failure to timely and accurately file C-3 and C-4 reports for election years 2020-2023 does not amount to violations that warrant further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Thurston County Democratic Women received a formal written warning concerning their failure to timely file Campaign Summary Receipts & Expenditures reports (C-4 reports) and Cash Receipts, Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports) for election years 2020-2023. The formal written warning included PDC staff’s expectation that Thurston County Democratic Women timely submit such reports in the future, especially during the time-sensitive periods prior to elections. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

PDC staff also reminded Thurston County Democratic Women about the importance of 1) disclosing the name and address of the vendor from whom an item or service is purchased, either as an in-kind contribution made to the committee or as an expenditure for which reimbursement is sought, on C-4 reports; and 2) submitting amended reports within 21 days of the original reports, whenever possible, in the future in accordance with PDC laws and rules or guidance.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

August 17, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240