Public Disclosure Commission – October 1, 2026

Posted on October 1, 2026

DISCLOSURES

News and Tips from the Public Disclosure Commission

PDC debuts new text-message reminder system for reporting dates

Candidates and committees can now sign up to receive reminders of filing deadlines over text message. 

The new program began on Sept. 30. 

Filers may choose to receive reminders for reporting deadlines relevant to primary and general elections, April and February special elections, or for monthly expenditure reporting dates (C-4 reports.)

This is the first time the PDC has offered reminders by text message. Improving compliance with mandatory expenditure reporting deadlines is one of the Commission’s strategic goals. 

Sign up using the Public Disclosure Commission’s online filing system. One logged in, open your profile by clicking on your name in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. Select the text message tab and pick which messages you’d like to receive.

This service is only available to campaigns and their treasurers at this time. Recipients may opt out at any time. Message and data rates may apply.

Participating in the November election? Mark your calendar for mandatory reporting dates

Candidates and committees registered as full-reporting and participating in the November general election must file three mandatory expenditure reports (C-4) due 21 and 7 days before the election, and on the 10th day of the following month. 

These reports are due regardless of campaign activity. This means that you must file a report even if your campaign has not raised or spent money during the reporting period.

For the 2026 general election, due dates are as follows: 

  • 21-day report: Oct. 13
  • 7-day report: Oct. 27
  • Post-primary report: Dec. 10

Mark your calendars! Failure to file these reports, or late filing, could result in PDC enforcement action. 

If your full-reporting campaign participated in the primary, you also must file your post-primary C-4 by Sept. 10. This report is also mandatory. Candidates: make sure to take steps to wrap up your campaign if you did not advance to the general. 

See more information on reporting deadlines and other key dates. 

pdcFAQ: When do I report an independent expenditure or electioneering communication?

Independent expenditures (IE) and electioneering communications are purchases made to support or oppose a candidate or ballot measure, or influence a vote, made without contributing directly to the candidate campaign or ballot measure committee, and independently of involvement with those committees.

Both are protected forms of free speech, and are not subject to contribution limits in Washington. 

Individuals and non-PAC entities must report IEs of $1,000 or more on a C-6within five days of the expense, and on this schedule in the lead-up to an election:

  • on the 10th of the month preceding the election
  • 21 days prior to the election
  • 7 days prior to the election
  • on the 10th of the month after the election

In cases of expenditures of $2,000 or more that are presented to the public within 21 days of an election, the C-6 report must be filed within 24 hours. PACs, which normally report IEs on their regular expenditure (C-4) reports, must also submit a C-6 in these instances. 

Follow these steps to file a C-6.

Remember last-minute reporting requirements before general election

In the 21 days before the general election, candidates and committees must file special reports of any contributions they receive totaling $1,500 in the aggregate from one source during that time period. 

Reports of these contributions must be filed within 48 hours of reaching the threshold, and include the amount of the contribution(s); the date or dates received; the name and address of the donor; and the receiving campaign’s name and address.

Campaigns receiving these contributions either file a contribution report (C-3) or a last-minute contribution report (LMC) within 48 hours.

Committees giving last-minute contributions meeting that threshold must report them within 24 hours. 

Any contributions disclosed on an LMC must also be reflected in regular C-3 and C-4 reporting.

File online here. 

Key dates

Our filer assistance team is here for you.  ​​​ ​ ​​​

  • The PDC will be closed for Labor Day on Sept. 7.
  • The post-primary C-4 report is due on Sept. 10. This report is mandatory for full-reporting candidates and committees regardless of financial activity.
  • The PDC’s September regular Commission meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24.
  • The 21-day pre-general C-4 report is due on Oct. 13. This report is mandatory for full-reporting candidates and committees regardless of financial activity.
  • The last-minute contribution period begins Oct. 13 and lasts through Nov. 2.
  • Special reporting of large contributions begins Oct. 13 and lasts through Nov. 2.
  • The pre-general election campaign books inspection period begins Oct. 24 and lasts through Nov. 2.
  • The 7-day pre-general C-4 report is due Oct. 27. This report is mandatory for full-reporting candidates and committees regardless of financial activity.
  • The general election is on Nov. 3.

See all upcoming dates at the PDC’s online calendar.

​For questions, email us at pdc@pdc.wa.gov 

Sign up now for upcoming trainings

Do you have questions about filing or using the PDC’s online filing systems? It’s always a good time to learn more! Enroll now for free trainings coming up in the next few months. 

Space in our classes fills up quick – be sure to sign up in advance. 

Upcoming classes include:

  • Disclosure 101: Candidates and Committees at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 and 1:30 p.m. Oct. 14.
  • ​Walk-Through: Online Reporting of Campaign Activity (ORCA) at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 and 1:30 p.m. Oct. 21.
  • Lobbyist and Lobbyist employer reporting training: 1:30 p.m. Oct. 7.

Find information about training, reporting deadlines and events on our online calendar. 

See more training content on the PDC’s YouTube channel.

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WA Public Disclosure Commission
711 Capitol Way, Olympia, WA 98504