Lewis County Republican Central Committee: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide complete sponsor identification on political advertising (EY '23; Oct '23).

Case

#144126

Respondent

Lewis County Republican Central Committee

Complainant

Kyle Wheeler

Description

This case alleged a violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide complete sponsor identification on political advertising, specifically sponsor address.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence submitted; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by the Lewis County Republican Central Committee (the “Respondent”); the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent; and other relevant information to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on the attached findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to include the sponsor’s address on the automatic display destination site linked to digital advertising does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Lewis County Republican Central Committee received a formal written warning concerning its failure to fully comply with the sponsor identification requirements for political advertising. The formal written warning included PDC staff’s expectation that Lewis County Republican Central Committee disclose all required sponsor identification on future advertising, including small digital ads where an automatic display (e.g. click-thru link) is used. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

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 Written Warning

Date Opened

October 27, 2023

Areas of Law*

RCW 29B.30.050/42.17A.320

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