Washington Progressive Party: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely disclose expenditures on reports (AUG'23, EY'20)

Case

#141819

Respondent

Washington Progressive Party

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

PDC staff reviewed the allegation(s); the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response(s) provided by 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 staff’s review, we found the following:

• The Washington Progressive Party (the Committee) filed a Political Committee Registration (C-1PC report) on January 29, 2021, under the Full Reporting option.  The Committee was registered and reporting as a continuing political committee dating back to at least 2010.
• Per RCW 42.17A.235 and .240, under the Full Reporting Option, the Committee was required to disclose contribution and expenditure information by submitting Receipts and Expenditure Summary (C-4) reports and Cash Receipts, Monetary Contributions (C-3) reports to the PDC.  The Committee’s due dates for the C-3 and C-4 reports are determined by its activity and participation in the election cycle.
• All of the reports due in 2020 were filed significantly late on 9/29/2021. However, of the twelve reports, outlined in the evidence provided, only one report showed a level of late-reported activity that exceeded the $200 threshold for required reporting in 2020. C-4 report #110050354 identifies $209.27 in expenditures for organizational maintenance costs. The Committee does not appear to have participated in the 2020 election.  
• In response to the complaint, the acting Vice-Chair stated, “The reason is simply that we were young after a changing of the guard and had extremely high turnover in the treasurer position, as well as a steep learning curve for those brave enough to take on the task.  As far as I know the issues have been remedied to the degree possible under the circumstances.  It may be helpful to note that the Washington Progressive Party no longer exists as a legal entity at this time.” 
• The Committee has no other similar complaints or violations.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, the Washington Progressive Party’s failure to timely disclose contributions and expenditures on reports in election year 2020 does not amount to a finding of a violation that calls for further investigation.

Per WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, the Washington Progressive Party will receive a formal written warning concerning their failure to follow filing requirements for RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 when reporting in 2020.  Staff expects the Washington Progressive Party to file all required reports of contributions and expenditures in future years timely and accurately. If violations of PDC laws or rules occur in the future, the Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action necessary and has dismissed this matter per RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

September 05, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 141819 Washington Progressive Party Complaint Return Letter (combined).pdf
• 141819 Washington Progressive Party Complaint.pdf
• 141819 Washington Progressive Party Response.pdf