Shilpa Prem: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320(3)(a) by using a font smaller than the size required for sponsor ID on written advertising (EY25 June 25)

Case

#174916

Respondent

Shilpa Prem

Complainant

Bonnie McLeod

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Bonnie McLeod on June 24, 2025. The complaint alleged a violation of: RCW 42.17A.320(3)(a) by using a font 
smaller than the size required for sponsor identification on written advertising in election year 2025.

Applicable Laws and Rules
RCW 42.17A.320 requires that all political advertising supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot proposition includes the sponsor's name and address and provides for direction on formatting  requirements for written advertising.

Background and Findings
•  The Respondent is a candidate in the 2025 election for Kirkland City Council. On May 2, 2025, the Respondent filed a PDC Candidate Registration (C-1) for the Full Reporting option.
•  The complaint alleged that yard signs, provided by the Respondent's campaign committee, are in violation of the size requirements outlined in RCW 42.17A.320. However, upon review of materials provided by the Respondent in response to the complaint PDC staff find that the lettering on the yard signs is in substantial compliance with sizing requirements.
•  the Respondent does not have previous warnings or violations of PDC requirements.

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

Disposition

Case Closed with No Evidence of Violations

Date Opened

July 02, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.320

Documents

• 174916 Shilpa Prem Complaint.pdf
• 174916 Shilpa Prem Response.pdf
• 174916 Shilpa Prem Dismissal Letter.pdf