Description
The complaint alleged the 18th Legislative District Democrats, a political committee, may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely and accurately file contribution and expenditure reports.
In response to the complaint, Paulina Oberg, treasurer for 18th Legislative District Democrats, acknowledged receiving $2,000 from the Washington State Democratic Central Committee in fall 2023, but Oberg stated the Committee “did not give to nor spend in support of any candidates nor other political organizations these nor any other funds.” Per RCW 42.17A.235, the $2,000 contribution should have been reported on a Cash Receipts Monetary Contributions (C-3) Report on Oct. 10, 2023.
On a C-3 report filed May 9, 2024, the 18th Legislative District Democrats reported the $2,000 donation as received and deposited Aug. 25, 2023. The report was filed 212 days late. In addition to the late-reported contribution, the 18th Legislative District Democrats filed additional reports for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The 18th Legislative District Democrats do not have other similar violations of PDC requirements.
Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, the circumstances do not support a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.
Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, the 18th Legislative District Democrats will receive a formal written warning concerning the requirement under RCW 42.17A.235 and .240. Staff expects the committee, moving forward, to timely and accurately file all future required reports of contributions. 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).
