Tyler Byrd: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide sponsor identification on political advertising (EY25 JUN25)

Case

#174702

Respondent

Tyler Byrd

Complainant

Patricia Mullett

Description

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

Applicable Laws and Rules

Per RCW 42.17A.320, all written political advertising, whether relating to candidates or ballot propositions, shall include the sponsor's name and address. The use of an assumed name for the sponsor of electioneering communications, independent expenditures, or political advertising shall be unlawful. For partisan office, if a candidate has expressed a party or independent preference on the declaration of candidacy, that party or independent designation shall be clearly identified in electioneering communications, independent expenditures, or political advertising.

RCW 42.17A.320 and WAC390-18-010, 020, 030, and 040 further outline requirements for sponsor identification on political advertising.
 
Background and Findings

•    The Respondent is a candidate running for Whatcom County Council in the 2025 election.
•    On June 23, 2025, the PDC received a complaint that the Byrd campaign yard signs did not include complete sponsor identification.  PDC staff notified the Respondent of the complaint and the Respondent took prompt action to address the issue.  The Respondent indicated that he has corrected the signs he could readily locate to add the sponsor ID, and have implemented a plan to correct additional signs that do not include the required sponsor information.
•    The Respondent has no prior Warnings or Violations of RCW 42.17A.320 from the PDC
 
Summary and Resolution

Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that Tyler Byrd 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 Tyler Byrd about the importance of providing complete sponsor identification on political advertising. Tyler Byrd are expected to comply with PDC statutes and rules in the future.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

June 27, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.320

Documents

• 174702 Tyler Byrd Complaint.pdf
• 174702 Tyler Byrd Response.pdf