Thurston County Democrats: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.205, .235 & .240 for failure to timely amend C-1pc report, timely & accurately report contributions & expenditures, and provide required details for in-kind contributions (EY 2018-2023; Aug '23)

Case

#141204

Respondent

Thurston County Democrats

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

This case alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.205(4) for failure to timely amend C-1pc report within 10 days of a material change (officers) and RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely & accurately report contributions & expenditures in election years 2018-2023, and provide required details for in-kind contributions on reports in election years 2018-2023.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence submitted; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the responses provided by Thurston County Democrats (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, the Respondent’s failure to timely and accurately file C-3 and C-4 reports for election years 2021-2023, timely amend their C-1pc report, and preserve their financial records do not amount to violations that warrant further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Thurston County Democrats received a formal written warning concerning its failure to 1) timely file Campaign Summary Receipts & Expenditures reports (C-4 reports) and Cash Receipts, Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports); 2) timely update its C-1pc report (Committee Registration) within 10 days of a material change; and 3) preserve its books of account, bills, receipts, and other financial records for no less than five calendar years. The formal written warning included staff’s expectation that Thurston County Democrats comply with the above requirements in the future. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

PDC staff also reminded Thurston County Democrats about the importance of 1) disclosing the name and address of the vendor from whom a contributor purchased an item or service that is given to the committee as an in-kind contribution (on C-4 reports) or donated as an auction item (on C-3 reports); and 2) submitting amended reports within 21 days of the original reports, when possible, in the future in accordance with PDC laws and rules or guidance.

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

August 18, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 141204 Thurston County Democrats Response.pdf
• 141204 Thurston Co Dems Initial Hearing Results Respondent.pdf
• 141204 Thurston Co Dems Initial Hearing Results Complainant.pdf
• 141204 Thurston County Democrats Complaint.pdf
• 141204 Thurston Co Democrats Warning_Reminder Letter.pdf