Spokane County Young Democrats: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235, and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures. (EY24 DEC24)

Case

#165360

Respondent

Spokane County Young Democrats

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on December 13, 2024. The complaint alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures.
Applicable Laws and Rules

• 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.

Background and Findings

• Spokane County Young Democrats is a continuing committee that was active calendar year 2024. It reported spending $5,841 during 2024.
• On the final C-4 report filed for 2023, the Respondent reported having a balance of $114.94. On their first C-4 of 2024, the Respondent reported having a balance of $304.90. This is a difference of $190.04.
• C-4 reports submitted in 2024 were either partially, or entirely late. Additionally, the Respondent failed to provide complete expenditure details on various C-4 reports.
• A C-3 report submitted October 10, 2024, disclosed $1,000 in activity and was 30 days late.
• According to the Respondent, the majority of these issues are due to a combination of a large level of turnover in leadership due to the nature of their organization. 
• The PAC has taken steps to ensure that they will be able to provide timely and accurate PDC reporting in the future.

Summary and Resolution

Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that there is evidence of a violation of RCW 42.17A. Based on the guidance provided to PDC staff by the Commission at the January 23, 2025, Commission meeting, this matter is being dismissed in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1). While PDC staff is not requiring that you address the allegations at this time, you are encouraged to bring your reporting into full compliance, particularly for political advertising for which reporting should include information about the quantities, run dates and which campaigns were supported or opposed.  

Any allegations regarding reporting by you for calendar year 2024 that are not otherwise addressed are hereby dismissed. You are required to comply with all PDC requirements in the future, and failure to do so could lead to enforcement action. 
 

Disposition

Dismissed by Executive Director

Date Opened

January 15, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 165360 Spokane County Young Democrats Complaint.pdf
• PDC Response.pdf
• 165360 Spokane County Young Democrats Dismissal Letter.pdf