PDFWAC 390-18-010

Sponsor identification of advertising, political advertising, electioneering communications, and independent expenditures.

(1) For the purposes of chapter 42.17A RCW and Title 390 WAC:
(a) "Sponsor of political advertising, electioneering communication, or independent expenditure" is, as used in the act and in these rules, and defined in RCW 42.17A.005.
(b) Unless the context clearly provides otherwise, "advertising" or "advertisement" means political advertising, independent expenditures that are for political advertising, or electioneering communications, subject to the provisions of chapter 42.17A RCW and as defined in RCW 42.17A.005 or 42.17A.255.
(2) All advertising must clearly state, in an area set apart from any other printed matter, that it has been paid for by the sponsor (Example: (1) Paid for by the XYZ committee, mailing address, city, state, zip code; (2) Vote for John Doe, paid for by John Doe, mailing address, city, state, zip code). Additional requirements apply for the following:
(a) Political committees that sponsor political advertising costing or having a fair market value of $2,000 or more supporting or opposing a ballot proposition must clearly identify the "top five contributors" to that political committee, as well as the "top three donors" of all political committees identified as a "top five contributor," pursuant to WAC 390-18-025.
(b) Advertising undertaken as an independent expenditure or electioneering communication must comply with the "no candidate authorized this ad" sponsor identification and, if relevant, the "top five contributors," as well as the "top three donors" to political committee contributors, and identification of the individual, corporation, union, association, or other entity that established, maintains, or controls the sponsoring political committee provisions of RCW 42.17A.320.
(c) Political committees that sponsor independent expenditure or electioneering communication printed advertising are required to identify the "top five contributors" to that political committee, as well as the "top three donors" to political committee contributors. This requirement does not apply to bona fide political parties sponsoring independent expenditures.
(3) Required sponsor identification must be displayed in printed advertisements:
(a) In an area set apart from other printed matter;
(b) On the first page or fold of advertising consisting of more than one page that is intended to be presented as a single item (e.g., 3-page letter with return envelope). Identification on an enclosed return envelope or the envelope in which the advertising is sent is not sufficient;
(c) By respective sponsor on advertising which is a collection of several items relating to more than one candidate or committee and distributed simultaneously.
(4) Required sponsor identification must be clearly identified or spoken in advertising on radio, by telephone, or on television.
(5) Required sponsor identification must be clearly identified, spoken or displayed on advertising on websites, social media and other digital communication. Political committee websites and other online forums created by a political committee must include sponsor identification.
(6) With advertising for which no payment is demanded or for which a cost or fair market value is not readily ascertainable, the sponsor is the candidate, political committee or person who solicits or arranges for the advertising to be displayed, disseminated or broadcast.
(7) If more than one person sponsors specific advertising, the identity of each sponsor must be identified. However, if a person contributes in cash or in-kind to a candidate or political committee to assist in paying the cost of advertising, that person is not deemed a sponsor, provided the contribution is not earmarked for the advertising and is reported in accordance with applicable provisions of chapter 42.17A RCW and Title 390 WAC.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and [42.17A.]125. WSR 23-12-036, § 390-18-010, filed 5/30/23, effective 6/30/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1), 2019 c 428, and 2019 c 261. WSR 20-02-062, § 390-18-010, filed 12/24/19, effective 1/24/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110(1) and 2018 c 304. WSR 18-24-074, § 390-18-010, filed 11/30/18, effective 12/31/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110 and 42.17A.320. WSR 13-12-015, § 390-18-010, filed 5/24/13, effective 6/24/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17A.110. WSR 12-03-002, § 390-18-010, filed 1/4/12, effective 2/4/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 11-05-051, § 390-18-010, filed 2/10/11, effective 3/13/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370 and 42.17.562. WSR 06-11-132, § 390-18-010, filed 5/23/06, effective 6/23/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 03-12-034, § 390-18-010, filed 5/29/03, effective 6/29/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 00-22-055, § 390-18-010, filed 10/27/00, effective 11/27/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370. WSR 93-16-064, § 390-18-010, filed 7/30/93, effective 8/30/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 42.17.370(1). WSR 85-15-020 (Order 85-03), § 390-18-010, filed 7/9/85.]