Woodward, Nadine: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to disclose sponsor identification on digital political advertising (EY 19; July 19)

Case

#55217

Respondent

Nadine Woodward

Complainant

Guy Thompson

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on July 17, 2019. Your complaint alleged that Nadine Woodward (People for Nadine Woodward), a candidate for Spokane Mayor in the 2019 election, may have violated RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to include sponsor identification on digital political advertising done in support of her campaign.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided in a related case by WA Realtors PAC, PDC Case #55218; and the applicable PDC reports filed by Respondent, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

It appears that the online advertisements presented in support of the People for Nadine Woodward 2019 campaign were sponsored by WA Realtors PAC and that the advertisements contained sponsor identification required by RCW 42.17.320 and WAC 390-18-030 and were accessible through one click on the ad. Nadine Woodward did not sponsor the advertisements done in support of her campaign.

Based on these findings staff has determined that, in this instance, no evidence supports a finding of a violation warranting further investigation.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with No Evidence of Violations

Date Opened

July 25, 2019

Areas of Law

Areas of law not found

Documents

• 55217 Woodward Nadine Complaint Return.pdf
• 55217 Woodward Nadine Complaint.pdf