Barry Buchanan: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide sponsor identification on campaign advertising. (EY25 JUL25)

Case

#177046

Respondent

Barry Buchanan

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 filed a PDC registration on February 7, 2025, under the Full Reporting option, for the at-large position on the Whatcom County Council.
  • The PDC received a complaint about the Respondent's 2025 campaign signs missing sponsor identification and notified them on August 6, 2025. 
  • The Respondent took quick action to remedy the issue.  In their response they stated "We had stickers on order and have recently received them and attached to the 3 large signs we have deployed.  Our small signs and remaining large ones are getting the stickers before they go out."
  • In 2025 the Respondent has not received a warning, admitted to a violation, or been found in violation by the Commission.

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

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

August 06, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.320

Documents

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