ELLA Adelante (We Are ELLA): Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide sponsor identification on political advertising (EY24 OCT24)

Case

#160795

Respondent

Ella Adelante (We Are Ella)

Complainant

Kenton Gartrell, Roy Dove, Steve Edwards

Description

The complaints alleged that ELLA Adelante may have violated RCW 42.17A.205 and .320 by failing to register with the PDC as a political committee and by failing to provide sponsor identification on political advertising.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence submitted; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the responses provided by Respondent; and other relevant information, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Staff has determined that, in this instance, the allegation that the Respondent has failed to register with the PDC as a political committee is unfounded, and that the failure to include complete sponsor identification on political advertising does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d) , however, ELLA Adelante will receive a formal written warning concerning the failure to provide sponsor identification on political advertising in accordance with RCW 42.17A.320. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that ELLA Adelante ensures that any future political advertising by ELLA Adelante include all required elements of sponsor identification (“Paid for by” or “Sponsored by,” followed by the name and full address of the sponsor). The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

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

October 18, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.320