Mark Mullet: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide complete sponsor identification on campaign advertisements. (EY24 JUL24)

Case

#157283

Respondent

Mark Mullet

Complainant

Sam Hunt

Description

PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence you submitted; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response(s) provided by Mark Mullet (the “Respondent”); and other relevant information to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Applicable Laws & Rules

Per RCW 42.17A.320, all written political advertising, whether relating to candidates or ballot propositions, shall include the sponsor's name and address.  For partisan office, if a candidate has expressed a party or independent preference on the declaration of candidacy, that party or independent designation shall be clearly identified in electioneering communications, independent expenditures, or political advertising. The font size must be in at least ten-point type, or in type at least ten percent of the largest size type used in a written advertisement or communication directed at more than one voter, such as a billboard or poster, whichever is larger.

Background & Findings 

Based on staff’s review, we found the following:

• Mark Mullet filed a Candidate Registration (C-1) on June 1, 2023, under the Full Reporting option.
• Upon review of the evidence provided in this case, PDC staff were able to find complete sponsor identification, including party affiliation, was present on those campaign signs used by the Mullet campaign in the 2024 election.
• Staff did question the campaign about the font size used on the yard signs and found the largest font size used was 316-point.  The text of the sponsor identification was a 24-point font which is smaller than the 10% required by statute.
• The candidate lost the election in which the campaign signs were used.
• Mark Mullet does not have other similar warnings or violations of PDC requirements.

Summary and Resolution

Based on our findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, failing to provide complete sponsor identification, to include party affiliation when a partisan office, on campaign advertising does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Mark Mullet will receive a formal written warning concerning failing to provide complete sponsor identification, to include party affiliation when a partisan office, on campaign advertising. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Mark Mullet, in the future, comply with RCW 42.17A.320 about what to provide and how to provide complete sponsor identification on political advertising.  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

July 25, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.320

Documents

• 157283 Mark Mullet Complaint.pdf
• 157283 Mullet_Mark Response.pdf
• 157283 Mullet_Mark Complaint Return Letter (combined).pdf