Atul Deshmane: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures (EY23-24 JUL24)

Case

#157997

Atul Deshmane

Conner Edwards

Based on staff’s review, we found the following:

Atul Deshmane filed a Candidate Registration declaring their 2023 candidacy for County Council in Whatcom County, selecting the Full Reporting Option.
Atul Deshmane filed a Candidate Registration declaring their 2024 candidacy for Public Utility Commissioner in Whatcom PUD 1, selecting the Full Reporting Option.
A complaint was filed alleging late filed C-3 (contribution) reports in the 2023 election cycle, and lack of detail for political advertising on C-4 (expenditure) reports as required by WAC 390-16-037 in the 2024 election cycle.
RCW 42.17A.235 describes the required filing deadlines for disclosure of campaign finance activities including monetary contributions.
RCW 42.17A.240 requires committees to file accurate campaign finance reports with the Public Disclosure Commission.
WAC 390-16-037 includes directions on disclosing expenditures made for certain types of political advertisements and includes an example of the expected detail.
The campaign has filed thirty-seven contribution reports for the 2024 election cycle. Five C-3 (contribution) reports were filed approximately two weeks late, but were filed well before the primary election occurred.
The campaign amended expenditure reports to include the quantity of political advertising purchased once notified.

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).