Don Pape

Pape, Don: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.335, .320 for implying false incumbency and for failure to identify position sought in political advertising. (June 2018, EY 2018)

Case Details

Case Number

36975

Respondent

Don Pape

Complainant

Nansen Malin

Date Opened

June 18, 2018

Case Status

Case Closed with Reminder

PDC staff dismissed for no violation, but reminded the respondent of the applicable law and to exercise caution in the future.

Learn More

Area(s) of Law*

  • RCW 29B.30.050/42.17A.320
  • RCW 29B.30.070/42.17A.335

*On January 1, 2026, RCW 42.17A was recodified to RCW 29B

Subscribe for Updates

{{statusMessage}}

To subscribe to this case, enter your email address in the form below and click "Send confirmation link" button. You will be sent a secure link via email that will confirm your subscription.


An email containing a link to confirm your subscription to this case has been sent to {{ email }}.

If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, please check your junk mail or mail filters.

Send again

{{statusMessage}}

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaints filed by Nansen Malin, Karen Harrell, and Debra Oakes in June, 2018. The complaints alleged that Don Pape may have violated RCW 42.17A.335 for falsely representing himself in campaign signs as an incumbent.

PDC staff is reminding Don Pape about the importance of clear communication in political advertising and informing Don Pape to use clarifying terms such as "elect" in order to avoid further confusion and incumbency misrepresentation during future political campaigns. The PDC has closed the matter, and will not be conducting a more formal investigation into your complaint or pursuing further enforcement action in this case.

 

Documents

Penalties

None