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Shebanyah Vanhoof: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to include sponsor identification on political advertising (e.g. signs)
Shebanyah Vanhoof: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to include sponsor identification on political advertising (e.g. signs)
Case
#181575
Respondent
Shebanyah Vanhoof
Complainant
John Thompson
Description
The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the attached 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. RCW 42.17A.320 and WAC 390-18-010, 020, 030, and 040 further outline requirements for sponsor identification on political advertising
Yard signs were exempt from the requirement until June 2024. In 2024, the PDC granted a one-time exemption to yard signs printed prior to the effective date of the law. Starting in 2025, all yard signs, regardless of when they were printed, must meet all requirements of RCW 42.17A.320
Summary and Resolution
Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that you appear 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 Shebanyah Vanhoof about the importance of providing complete sponsor identification on political advertising. Shebanyah Vanhoof is expected to comply with PDC statutes and rules in the future.
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