City of Spokane

Spokane Municipal Code

***Note: Many local criminal codes can now be located under Chapter 10.60 SMC while others are now cited under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which was incorporated into the municipal code in 2022. (See SMC 10.58.010). Code Enforcement, including Noise Control and Animal Regulations are located in Chapters 10.62 through 10.74.

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Title 01
Chapter 01.07
Section 01.07.003
 

Title 01 General Provisions

Chapter 01.07 Spokane Fair Elections Code

Section 01.07.003 Title;Purpose and Intent
  1. This chapter shall be titled and referred to as the Spokane Fair Elections Code.
  1. The purpose of this chapter is to institute regulations for the fair conduct of elections for citywide office and to ensure a high degree of transparency in the conduct of local elections. The City of Spokane is authorized to legislate in this area as a valid exercise of the City’s police power, pursuant to Washington Constitution Art. XI, secs. 10 and 11 and RCW 35.22.020 and RCW 35.22.195.
  1. The City intends, by enacting this chapter, to provide for transparency, fairness, accountability, and integrity in the conduct of elections for City office, to promote and increase political participation and the open discussion of issues, and to reduce the effect of financial contributions on the integrity of our elections and our government.
  1. This chapter is intended to compliment and be consistent with chapter 42.17A RCW as enforced by the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission. In the event of a conflict between this chapter and chapter 42.17A RCW, state law controls.
  1. The City of Spokane has a strong governmental interest in preventing corruption, and the appearance of corruption, in its political processes, such as the election of City officials.  This chapter, by strengthening limits on political contributions, therefore serves the City’s strong interests in preventing corruption and the appearance of corruption because it reduces the risk of quid pro quo arrangements and mitigates the appearance of corruption which is created by the real or potentially coercive influence of large financial contributions on the actions of candidates and elected officials.
  1. It is the intent of the City Council to advocate for campaign finance reforms at the state and federal level.

Date Passed: Monday, January 8, 2018

Effective Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2018

ORD C35571 Section 1