Ragan, Dale: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.255 by failing to report independent expenditure for political advertising. (Apr 2019)

Case

#50825

Respondent

Dale Ragan

Complainant

Reece A. Williams

Description

This case alleged that the Respondent may have violated RCW 42.17A.255 by failing to report independent expenditure(s) for political advertising (e.g. No on Fire Bond signs). PDC staff reviewed the allegations, applicable statutes, rules and reporting requirements, the response provided by the Respondent, and the applicable PDC reports filed 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 purchased 50 signs from SignRocket on March 20, 2019 for $253.50. The signs contained an opposition ad concerning a fire bond and were distributed in Mt. Vernon in late March/early April of 2019. The signs were purchased and paid for by the Respondent using his own funds. 

Pursuant to RCW 42.17A.255, a person who makes an independent expenditure equaling $100 or more (aggregate, per election campaign) in support or opposition to a candidate or ballot proposition is required to file a C-6 report with the PDC within 5 days. The Respondent indicated he was unaware of the need to report independent expenditures but quickly took corrective action upon being notified of his registration requirements.

PDC staff reminded the Respondent about the importance of timely disclosing any independent expenditures for political advertising and timely filing all future PDC reports, as applicable. 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

May 02, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.255

Documents

• 50825 Ragan Dale Reminder Letter.pdf
• 50825 Ragan Dale Response.pdf
• 50825 Ragan Dale Complaint.pdf