Eastern Washington Voters: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.205, .235, and .240 for failure to timely amend C-1pc to reflect sponsored name, and timely & accurately report contributions & expenditures. (Aug'23; EY'18-'23)

Case

#141455

Respondent

Eastern Washington Voters PAC

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

This case alleged a violation of RCW 42.17A.205(5) & WAC 390-16-011A for failure to amend C-1pc to reflect sponsorship in name; and alleged a violation of RCW 42.17A.235, and .240 for failure to timely & accurately report contributions & expenditures for election years 2018-2023.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence submitted; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Eastern Washington Voters (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 the attached findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely report contributions and expenditures on C-3 and C-4 reports for election years 2019-2023 and timely amend its C-1pc report to include its sponsored name within 60 days of the 2020 Primary election do not amount to violations that warrant further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Eastern Washington Voters received a formal written warning concerning their failure to timely and accurately disclose contributions and expenditures on C-3 and C-4 reports in years 2019-2023 and timely amend their C-1pc report to include their sponsored name within 60 days of the 2020 Primary election. The formal written warning included staff’s expectation that, in the future, Eastern Washington Voters will do the following in accordance with PDC laws and rules: 1) timely and accurately file all required C-3 and C-4 reports, especially during time-sensitive periods prior to elections; and 2) timely amend their C-1pc report to include sponsored name within 60 days of an election in which they participate if they receive 80% or more of their contributions from a sponsor during the twelve months preceding 60 days before the election. 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 Eastern Washington Voters about the importance of timely amending C-3 and C-4 reports within 21 days of filing the original reports, whenever possible, 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 25, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 141455 Eastern WA Voters Response.pdf
• 141455 Eastern Washington Voters PAC Complaint.pdf
• 141455 Eastern WA Voters Initial Hearing Results (Respondent).pdf
• 141455 Eastern WA Voters Initial Hearing Results (Complainant).pdf
• 141455 Eastern WA Voters Warning Letter.pdf