Nic Aguirre: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to comply with sponsor identification requirements on campaign advertising. (EY25 AUG25)

Case

#177748

Respondent

Nic Aguirre

Complainant

Jill M Johanson

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of a complaint filed with the PDC. 

Applicable Laws and Rules

​
 

  • Per RCW 42.17A.320, all written political advertising, whether relating to candidates or ballot propositions, shall include the sponsor's name and address. The use of an assumed name for the sponsor of electioneering communications, independent expenditures, or political advertising shall be unlawful. For partisan office, if a candidate has expressed a party or independent preference on the declaration of candidacy, that party or independent designation shall be clearly identified in electioneering communications, independent expenditures, or political advertising.

    RCW 42.17A.320 and WAC390-18-010, 020, 030, and 040 further outline requirements for sponsor identification on political advertising.
      

Background and Findings

  • Respondent filed a Candidate Registration with the PDC on June 9, 2025, under the Mini Reporting option, for a City Council Member on the City of Longview.
  • The PDC received a complaint alleging too small of text for sponsor identification on political advertising on August 22, 2025.
  • Sponsor ID must be in a font of at least 10 percent of the largest size type used, or 10-point font, whichever is greater; do not screen or half-tone the text.
  • ​Respondent is a first time candidate and provided full sponsor identification on campaign signs, but the text is of light color and not clearly identified.

Summary and Resolution

Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that you appear to have violated RCW 42.17A. After consideration of all the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of the Fair Campaign Practices Act. Under WAC 390-37-070, the executive director, at any time prior to consideration by the Commission, may dismiss a complaint which on its face, or as shown by investigation, provides reason to believe that a violation has occurred, but also shows that the respondent is in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes or rules, or shows that formal enforcement action is not warranted. 

Based on this, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and WAC 390-37-060(1)(d). PDC staff is reminding you about the importance of timely reporting and sponsor identification must be at least 10 percent of the largest type used, or 10-point font, whichever is greater; do not screen or half-tone the text.  You are expected to comply with PDC statutes and rules in the future.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

August 22, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.320

Documents

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