Erika Evans: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.205 & .700 for failure to timely file a C-1 report (Candidate Registration) & a Personal Financial Affairs Statement (F-1 report) within two weeks of candidacy (EY25 MAR25)

Case

#169334

Respondent

Erika Evans

Complainant

Maxwell Villella

Description

This case alleged the following:

  • Allegation One: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.205 for failure to timely file a C-1 report (Candidate Registration) within two weeks of becoming a candidate
  • Allegation Two: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.700 for failure to timely file a Personal Financial Affairs Statement (F-1 report) within two weeks of becoming a candidate 

The complaint alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.205 and .700 for failure to timely file a Candidate Registration (C-1 report) and Personal Affairs Financial Statement (F-1 report) within two weeks of becoming a 2025 candidate, which Mr. Villella alleged may have occurred as early as February 18, 2025 based on the date of the domain name registration for Erika Evans' candidate website. The complaint also alleged that the campaign's expenditures for the domain name, website hosting (e.g. WordPress), and professional photography may have been sufficient to require the submission of a February C-4 report by March 10, 2025, the absence of which would violate RCW 42.17A.235 and .240.

Based on the attached findings, Erika Evans (the “Respondent”) was a candidate as of February 26, 2025 and both the C-1 and F-1 reports were therefore due to be filed no later than March 12, 2025. The Respondent's C-1 report was timely submitted but her F-1 report, which was filed on March 17, 2025, was five days late. 

Noncompliance regarding the late F-1 report appears to be the result of a good-faith error, omission or misunderstanding. Mitigating factors include her status as a first-time candidate, and the minimal impact of noncompliance on the public. 

However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), the Respondent received a formal written warning concerning her failure to timely file a Personal Financial Affairs Statement. PDC staff expects her to timely file the required (candidate) F-1 report should she choose to run for office again in the future, and the F-1 report annually, if she is elected to office. The Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

PDC staff is also reminding the Respondent about the importance of timely registering as a candidate within two weeks in the future, in accordance with PDC laws and rules, if she makes a public declaration of candidacy, accepts contributions, makes an expenditure or incurs debt.

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

March 26, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.700

Documents

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