Steven Thompson: Alleged Violations of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 for failure to timely and accurately disclose contributions & expenditures on reports (EY24 JUL24)

Case

#159767

Respondent

Steven Thompson

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

• Allegation: Violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions & expenditures on reports for election year 2024

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements for a 2024 candidate under the Full Reporting option; the applicable Expenditures Reports (C-4 reports) filed by the Respondent; and other relevant information, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations. Based on staff’s review, we found the following:

• Steven Thompson filed a Candidate Registration declaring their candidacy for County Commissioner in Stevens County, selecting the Full Reporting Option.

• A complaint was filed alleging the failure to timely file the 21-day and 7-day pre-primary C-4 (expenditure) reports and failure to provide required detail for a political advertising expenditure, as required by WAC 390-16-037.

• RCW 42.17A.235 describes the required filing deadlines for disclosure of campaign finance activities including monetary contributions.

• RCW 42.17A.240 requires committees to file accurate campaign finance reports with the Public Disclosure Commission. 

• The 21-day C-4 report was filed on September 11, 2024, 57 days late.

• The 7-day C-4 report as filed on September 11, 2024, 43 days late.

• The expenditure from May 28, 2024 has been amended to reflect the run dates and the size of the ads purchased.

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).

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Steven Thompson will receive a formal written warning concerning failure to timely disclosure of all expenditures. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Steven Thompson timely files all future required reports of contributions and expenditures. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.
 

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

September 26, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 159767 Steven Thompson Resolution Letter.pdf
• 159767 Steven Thompson Complaint 1.pdf
• 159767 Steven Thompson Complaint 2.pdf