Initiative backer Let’s Go Washington fined $20,000 for campaign finance violations Washington's campaign finance regulators handed down hefty fines against the group behind a slate of voter initiatives Wednesday, after the group was accused of violating campaign finance reporting rules. Jeanie Lindsay
Crypto billionaires throw big money behind a Washington congressional hopeful This week, in the congressional district that stretches from Tacoma to the Olympic Peninsula, a PAC funded by cryptocurrency billionaires spent almost $1.5 million on ads supporting Emily Randall, a Democrat. Scott Greenstone
Bob Ferguson's campaign funds under fire from rival Democrat in governor's race Attorney General Bob Ferguson has raised a lot of money over the years — but how he uses it in his run for governor is drawing complaints from Democrats running against him. Scott Greenstone
WA lawmakers propose to ban companies like Amazon from spending on local elections A new campaign finance bill that goes after spending by big companies will be introduced in Washington State in the coming session. The bill would prohibit "foreign influenced" corporations from spending any money at all on state or local elections in Washington. By "foreign influenced," lawmakers mean a company that has a significant amount of stock owned by people from other countries. David Hyde
It takes lots of money to win elections. Here's what you need to know Elections are becoming more expensive as candidates vie for voters' attention. But there are strict rules about how money is raised, how it can be used and how to prove you're following the laws. Ximena Bustillo
Republican primary spending projected to approach or surpass $1 billion With a big field, a former president, well-heeled politicians and two billionaires running, this is likely to be the most money ever spent to win the GOP presidential nomination. Domenico Montanaro
Democracy vouchers are back, but do they neutralize big money in local politics? The Democracy voucher program is Seattle’s system for public financing of city elections. It’s designed to combat big money in local political campaigns, and to ease the financial burden that prevents many cash-strapped households from donating to local races. But does the program work as intended? David Hyde Play AudioListen 13 mins
Facebook's parent is fined nearly $25M for violating a campaign finance disclosure law The penalty issued by a Washington state judge was the maximum allowed for more than 800 violations of the state's Fair Campaign Practices Act. The Associated Press
Millennials challenge veteran candidates in 2021 King County and Seattle elections Several Seattle millennials are challenging political veterans with deep pockets, and contests like the Seattle mayoral and King County executive races are shaping up to be generational battles. Paige Browning Play AudioListen 7 mins
Tim Eyman fined millions for campaign finance violations Tim Eyman had his day in court, and he lost. A judge has ruled Eyman will be forced to pay $2.6 million dollars in penalties. David Hyde Play AudioListen 2 mins
