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Marilyn Adams: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide sponsor identification on political advertising.
Marilyn Adams: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide sponsor identification on political advertising.
Case
#180951
Respondent
Marilyn Adams
Complainant
Lisa Wissner-Slivka
Description
The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of a complaint filed with the PDC.
Applicable Laws and 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. The use of an assumed name for the sponsor of electioneering communications, independent expenditures, or political advertising shall be unlawful. 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. RCW 42.17A.320 and WAC 390-18-010, 020, 030, and 040 further outline requirements for sponsor identification on political advertising. Background and Findings
Marilyn Adams (the Respondent) is a candidate running for Clyde Hill City Council in the 2025 election.
On October 30, 2025, the PDC received a complaint that the Respondent's campaign yard signs and campaign website did not include complete sponsor identification. PDC staff noted that although the signs and website did not include the required address of the sponsor they did include the words "paid for by" followed by the name of the sponsor "Committee to Elect Lyn Adams."
The Respondent has no prior Warnings or Violations from the PDC.
Summary and Resolution
Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that you appear to have violated RCW 42.17A. After consideration of all the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of the Fair Campaign Practices Act. Under WAC 390-37-070, the executive director, at any time prior to consideration by the Commission, may dismiss a complaint which on its face, or as shown by investigation, provides reason to believe that a violation has occurred, but also shows that the respondent is in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes or rules, or shows that formal enforcement action is not warranted. Based on this, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and WAC 390-37-060(1)(d). PDC staff is reminding Marilyn Adamas about the importance of providing complete sponsor identification on political advertising. Marilyn Adams is expected to comply with PDC statutes and rules in the future.
Disposition
Case Closed with Reminder
Date Opened
October 31, 2025
Areas of Law
RCW 42.17A.320
Documents
No documents found
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