SUBJECT: Nelson, Wade: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 by failing to include party preference on political advertisement (EY '22; Sept '22)

Case

#112500

Respondent

Wade Nelson

Complainant

Kaylie Riddoch

Description

  • Allegation: Violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to include party preference on political advertisement
  • RCW 42.17A.320 requires all political advertising relating to a candidate running for partisan office to include the candidate’s party preference. The complaint alleged the 2022 Wade Nelson Campaign for Spokane County Sheriff posted yard signs that failed to include the candidate’s party preference as “Republican. Mr. Nelson stated he and his wife are not politicians, and this is his first time running for public office. He stated the omission of the party preference was an oversight due to his lack of experience. Mr. Nelson said once the lack of party preference was brought to his attention, he took corrective action by adding it to the campaign website plus every sign and piece of literature they were able locate and update. Mr. Nelson confirmed all new campaign materials included the required party preference.
  • The PDC dismissed the complaint in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and will not conduct a more formal investigation into the allegations or take further enforcement action in this matter. However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), the dismissal letter serves as a formal written warning concerning the Respondent’s failure to comply with the political advertisement requirements noted in the dismissal letter. Staff expects the Respondent to review all future political advertisements to ensure they include the required party preference prior to being made available to the general public. 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 21, 2022

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.320

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