Scantlebury, Ginny: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to include sponsor identification in political advertising. (Apr 2019)

Case

#50698

Respondent

Ginny Scantlebury

Complainant

Nikita Minkin

Description

This case alleged that the Respondent may have violated RCW 42.17A.320 by failing to include sponsor identification in political advertising (e.g. brochures, website). PDC staff reviewed the allegations, applicable statutes, rules and reporting requirements, and the responses provided by the Respondent to determine whether they support a finding of one or more violations.

Based on staff's review, the PDC found that the Respondent's campaign created and distributed brochures in approximately April of 2019 that lacked the sponsor's name and address. This sponsor ID information was also omitted from the Respondent's website, which was created on April 8, 2019.

Upon being notified of the missing sponsor ID information, the Respondent ceased using its brochures and quickly resolved the matter by updating its website and adding stickers containing sponsor name and address to its existing brochures.

PDC staff reminded the Respondent about the importance of including sponsor ID on all future political advertising. Based on the information, the PDC found that no further action was warranted and dismissed the matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

April 29, 2019

Areas of Law

Areas of law not found