PDC launches redesigned reporting system for last-minute contributions

Today, the Public Disclosure Commission is launching a much-improved reporting system for last-minute contributions (LMCs).  

Rather than using a separate application, candidates and committees will now access the LMC reporting system by clicking the dollar-sign symbol next to the name of their campaign in the PDC’s “Committees I File For” dashboard. Lobbyist filers will also find links to file LMCs alongside their other regular reports.   

The improved filing system offers an upgraded user experience and simplifies reporting by consolidating PDC filings. It also adds new features, such as the ability to amend reports and to view and access past LMCs.  

LMC reports must be filed for contributions of $1,500 or more, in the aggregate, given or received within 7 days of the primary election and 21 days of the general election. See RCW 42.17A.265 for more information. For the 2023 general election, the LMC period begins on Oct. 17.  

See full instructions on the new LMC reporting system below. 

How do I get started?  

1. Log in

If you're filing for a campaign or committee ...

Log in to the PDC’s Electronic Filing Dashboard. Click the $ symbol next to the name of the campaign in the Committees I File For page.  

ORCA users will next select the LMC - Last Minute Contribution function under file reports. 

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• For filers who use reporting software provided by a different vendor, click the button in the upper right-hand corner that says File LMC.

If you're filing for a lobbyist ...

Log in the way you normally would to our lobbyist reporting system, and select the new File Last Minute Contribution function.

• The PDC recently switched to using the Secure Access Washington single sign-on system for lobbyist filers. If you haven’t logged in recently, see more on that change here.  

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2. Select whether you’re reporting a contribution made or received

If you're filing for a candidate ... 

On the next screen, select contribution received.

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If you're filing for a committee...

You’ll need to choose whether you’re reporting a contribution received or a contribution made.

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If you're filing for a lobbyist ...

Select the contribution made button, or click the switch year button if you are amending or filing a report for a previous LMC filing period.

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3. Complete the form

If you're filing for a candidate or committee ... 

Complete the form using the contributor search to find the committee, lobbyist, lobbyist employer or other entity that the LMC is being received from. 

If you are reporting an in-kind donation, click the in-kind box and enter the information in the description line, then click next.

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If you're filing for a lobbyist ... 

Complete the form using the recipient search function to find the candidate or committee receiving the LMC.

For an in-kind contribution, click the in-kind box and enter the information in the description line, then select next.

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4. Submit your report

Review the LMC for accuracy.

If you need to make a change, click the edit button.  If the report appears to be complete and accurate, click submit.

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Complete the submission page.

Be sure to type “I certify” on the certification line, then click submit.

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You now have a record ... 

of all last-minute contributions filed by your entity and can amend reports if needed.  To amend a report, click the pencil icon.

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Do I have to use the new LMC reporting system?  

The old last-minute contribution reporting system will no longer be available after Sept. 26, 2023. If you need to file an LMC report for the 2023 general election, you must use the new reporting system.  

Why are we making this change?  

There are several reasons for redesigning the LMC reporting system and relocating it to the PDC's existing online filing system. First, the PDC is working to consolidate its reports to use as few filing systems as possible. The move also improves the user experience for filers, and provides new features, such as the ability to amend reports and to access and view previous filings.  

This change also removes the need for an additional login process. Filers already log in to the PDC's filing application through their Secure Access Washington (SAW) single sign-on process. Single sign-on systems are more secure for users and are the standard for most Washington state agencies’ secure online services.