By MAK Mitchell, Money Out of Politics Issue Chair, LWV of Washington

The League of Women Voters of Washington has long valued the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission’s attention to campaign finance disclosure, lobbying activities and the financial interests of public officials.

After all, the League, along with a handful of other good-government groups, was instrumental in the commission’s formation in 1972 after the state Legislature itself had failed to pass comprehensive campaign finance law.

But a recent act by the PDC creates an urgency for the League and others to act.

On Oct. 22, the PDC adopted an interpretive statement suspending enforcement of certain restrictions on large contributions over $75,000 from a single source during the final 21 days before a general election. 

In adopting the statement, commission officials cited constitutional questions raised by prior federal court decisions. 

However, the PDC did not repeal the statute, issue an expiration date or declare the statute unconstitutional. Some critics questioned the right of PDC to stop enforcement of a state law. 

Critics also raised concerns that large, late infusions of money less than two weeks before the election could reduce voters’ opportunity to learn who is financing political activity before voting. 

And a few days after the adoption of the statement, three large contributions transferred to other political action committees: a $100,000 transfer from a business-backed political committee to another PAC; and $350,000 and $250,000 independent corporate contributions for two competing judges transferred to PACs. All three transfers made it difficult for voters to track to judicial campaign spending. 

The PDC explained that commissioners believed federal constitutional developments raised serious questions about enforcing the provision, that they wanted consistent enforcement across campaigns, and that they thought it was preferable to announce the policy publicly before the election rather than handle enforcement disputes afterward. 

The League’s commitment to campaign finance disclosure, even nationally, is long standing.  As noted in the League of Women Voters of the United States’ Program In Action document, “spending abuses in congressional and presidential campaigns” spurred the LWVUS to adopt its Campaign Finance position in the early 1970s.  

Furthermore, the League’s position on Money in Politics↗️ makes clear the League believes in the elemental principle of representative government where political authority originates from the people, not money or corporations. 

It is ironic that the commission’s stated position — “to build public confidence in the political process and government” — aligns directly with the League’s Money in Politics position, adopted to ensure our government serves the people, by promoting transparency, limiting SuperPACs, and eliminating dark money. 

In the wake of the PDC decision, the Washington League plans to step up efforts to restore fairness through the Legislature. 

For more information and to get involved, contact MAK Mitchell.