Complaint Opinion 96-03

​Does the inclusion of a questionnaire in a newsletter render the document something other than a newsletter in an election year when mailings are restricted to newsletters?  Is it "normal and regular conduct" for a newsletter to describe the legislator's agenda and points of view on a partisan basis?

​A questionnaire may  be included in a newsletter without changing its classification as a newsletter.  It is normal and regular conduct to report to constituents on issues which will be taken up in a legislative session and it is acceptable to express positions in partisan terms.  Board warned that a newsletter solely devoted to national issues not tied to state legislative issues would be a concern.  RCW 42.52.180.