Spokane Fair Elections Code

Spokane Fair Elections Principles

Diminish perception of quid pro quo corruption
Compliment state campaign finance requirements
Easy to administer. Easy to comply
End the cycle of cynicism. Return power back to small donors
Spokane Fair Elections Code 4 Blocks
Reduce perception of Address gray money
quid pro quo corruption
Shine light on dark
Return power to small money
donor
Spokane Fair Elections Code
Pro/Con committee members for City of Spokane initiatives must be City voters.
Establishes contribution limits to $500 per election ($1000 total primary & general)
Defines election cycle as January 1st-December 31st of the year the candidate will
appear on the ballot.
Prohibits the solicitation and/or receiving of campaign contributions from contractors
who have earned in aggregate $50,000 in City of Spokane contracts within two years
of the date of the contribution.
Requires City of Spokane bargaining units to disclose campaign contributions to
elected officials on bargaining unit contracts prior to signatures and approval by the
City Council.
Spokane Fair Elections Code
Defines and establishes procedures for incidental committees; requires disclosure of
top 10 contributors and expenditure information.
Requires political committees making independent expenditures disclose the top 3
individuals who have contributed the most if one of the Top 5 contributors (in
compliance with RCW 42.17A.320) happens to be a political committee.
Requires entities contributing to candidates to certify with the candidate that their
ownership does not comprise of more than 50% foreign nationals.
Creates Transparent Democracy Fund to help offset any costs associated with the
administration of the Spokane Fair Elections Ordinance.
Spokane Fair Elections Enforcement Process

Education. Education. Education.

Willful Compliance

Class 1 Civil Infraction

Class 1A Civil Infraction

Spokane Fair Elections Civil Infraction Schedule
Violations are Class 1 Civil Infraction;
if the violation involves a contribution, Class Fine
it must be returned.
If the violation is intentional or the Class 1 $261
violator is a habitual offender, the
violator can be subject to a Class 1A
Civil Infraction. Class 1A $783
Spokane Fair Elections Next Steps

Internal External

Requesting Finance & Administration Brief current 2019 candidates

Committee briefing for November 20
Publish candidate guide 2018
Meeting with City Clerk Office and
Grants Management (Agency) Publish contractor guide 2018

File November 21
First Reading December 4
Final Reading December 11