Simone Lawson
Political campaigns have various ways to promote their candidates and messages to voters. One of the most common ways is through direct mail, such as flyers, brochures, letters, and postcards. USPS offers services like Every Door Direct Mail, which allows campaigns to target entire cities, ZIP codes, neighborhoods, or individual mail routes. While this is an effective way to reach a wide audience, it has raised concerns about whether political campaigns are allowed to interfere with mailboxes. According to FCC regulations, political campaigns are generally exempt from the Do Not Call list and can send autodialed or prerecorded voice calls and texts to landlines without prior consent. However, there are limits, such as a maximum of three calls per 30-day period, and recipients can revoke their consent at any time. For mobile phones, campaigns typically need prior consent, and manual messages sent by a real person are exempt from this rule.
Characteristics of political campaigns messing with your mailbox
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Mail | Flyers, brochures, letters, postcards, direct mail |
| USPS Services | First-Class Mail, Every Door Direct Mail |
| Requirements | Complete and correct address lists, online reporting form submission 2 days in advance |
| Political Campaign Robocalls and Texts | Require prior consent, except for manual messages |
| FCC Rules | Report non-compliant messages by forwarding to 7726 or "SPAM" |
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What You'll Learn
- Political campaigns can send direct mail to target audiences through USPS
- Campaigns need prior consent for robocalls and robotexts to mobiles, but not landlines
- Autodialed or pre-recorded voice calls are prohibited to mobiles without prior consent
- Text messages sent manually by a real person do not require prior consent
- You can report unwanted political texts by forwarding them to 7726 or SPAM
Political campaigns can send direct mail to target audiences through USPS
Alternatively, campaigns can use First-Class Mail for more personalised communications, such as letters, fundraising invitations, or any messages with a personal touch. To ensure timely delivery and manage mailing costs, it is important to maintain complete and correct address lists before sending out political mailings. USPS provides a portal for large mailers with various products and services, including software to keep address lists up to date.
In addition to direct mail, political campaigns also utilise phone calls and text messages to reach their target audiences. While robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones typically require prior consent, political campaigns are exempt from the Do Not Call list. However, campaigns must respect opt-out requests and provide a way for recipients to unsubscribe, such as replying "STOP" to a text message. It is important to note that political robocalls to residential landlines without prior consent are limited to no more than three calls within a consecutive 30-day period.
Political campaigns must also be cautious of including links in their text messages, as some may direct recipients to unverified websites or contain malware. To report any political texts that are believed to be non-compliant with FCC rules, recipients can forward the text to 7726 ("SPAM").
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Campaigns need prior consent for robocalls and robotexts to mobiles, but not landlines
Political campaigns are heavily regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) when it comes to contacting voters via phone calls and text messages. The FCC's rules distinguish between mobile phones and landlines, with campaigns needing prior consent for robocalls and robotexts to mobiles but not landlines.
Robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones generally require prior consent. This means that campaigns cannot use autodialer technology to send text messages to a mobile phone number without the recipient's prior express consent. However, if a text message is sent manually by a real person, it can be sent without prior consent. If a recipient has not given prior consent, they can revoke consent at any time by replying "stop" to a text or asking not to be called or texted again on a voice call.
On the other hand, political campaigns are allowed to make robocalls to landlines without prior consent. However, there are limits to the number of calls that can be made, with no more than three calls allowed within any consecutive 30-day period. Additionally, artificial or rerecorded voice messages must include certain identification information, such as the identity of the individual or entity initiating the call.
It is important to note that these regulations do not apply to all political communications. For example, text messages that are manually typed in by a real person are exempt from the requirement for prior consent. Additionally, political campaigns are exempt from the Do Not Call list, meaning they can still call or text individuals who have registered their number on that list.
If individuals believe they have received a political robocall or robotext that does not comply with the FCC's rules, they can take several steps to stop the messages and report the sender. This includes replying "stop" to a text, blocking the number, and reporting the sender by forwarding the text to 7726 ("SPAM"). They can also file an informal complaint with the FCC on their website or by mail.
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Autodialed or pre-recorded voice calls are prohibited to mobiles without prior consent
Political campaigns are subject to a variety of regulations when it comes to contacting voters. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) regulate the use of autodialed or pre-recorded voice calls and text messages during political campaigns.
Political campaigns are prohibited from making autodialed or pre-recorded voice calls to mobile devices without the prior express consent of the recipient. This includes calls made using an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) or predictive dialer, which automatically dials multiple numbers using algorithms. The TCPA also applies to text messages, and campaigns must obtain prior express consent from the recipient before sending automated texts.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. Political campaigns are permitted to make autodialed or pre-recorded voice calls to landline telephones without prior consent. However, these calls are limited to no more than three calls within any consecutive 30-day period. Additionally, artificial or pre-recorded voice messages must include certain identification information, such as the name of the individual or entity initiating the call.
If a person receives unwanted autodialed or pre-recorded voice calls or text messages from a political campaign, they can report the violation to the FCC by filing an informal complaint. They can also forward unwanted text messages to 7726 ("SPAM") to report the sender. It is important to note that the definition of "prior express consent" is not explicitly defined by the FCC or TCPA, and there may be nuances to an individual's situation that impact their rights and options.
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Text messages sent manually by a real person do not require prior consent
Political campaigns are a common way for candidates to promote themselves and their platforms. However, the question of whether they are allowed to "mess with your mailbox" is a complex one, especially when it comes to text messages. While prior consent is generally required for political campaign communications, there is an important exception: text messages sent manually by a real person do not require prior consent.
This means that if a campaign worker personally types and sends a text message to your phone, it is permitted without your prior consent. This is in contrast to political robocalls and robotexts, which are automated messages sent using autodialer technology. These types of communications generally require the prior express consent of the recipient, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The distinction between manually sent texts and automated messages is crucial. Manually sent texts are considered more personal and less intrusive, as they are not sent en masse. However, with the advancement of technology, it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between manually sent texts and those sent using more sophisticated autodialer systems.
To address this issue, the FCC has implemented rules and guidelines to protect consumers from unwanted political solicitations. For example, if you are receiving unwanted political text messages, you can report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 ("SPAM") and blocking the number. Additionally, campaigns are required to honor opt-out requests if you reply "STOP."
In conclusion, while text messages sent manually by a real person as part of a political campaign do not require prior consent, there are measures in place to protect consumers from unwanted solicitations. It is important for individuals to be aware of their rights and the actions they can take if they feel their privacy is being invaded.
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You can report unwanted political texts by forwarding them to 7726 or SPAM
Political campaigns are not allowed to mess with your mailbox without your consent. During an election season, it is likely that there will be an increase in calls and texts from political campaigns. While campaign calls and texts are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) contains specific rules they must follow. In general, robocalls and robotexts to mobile phones require prior express consent. Political robocalls to landlines are allowed without prior consent, but there are exceptions. For instance, political robocalls made to residential landline phones without the prior consent of the called party are limited to no more than three calls within any consecutive 30-day period.
If you are tired of receiving unwanted political text messages from candidates and causes you didn't even know had your phone number, you can report them by forwarding them to 7726 or "SPAM". This helps your wireless provider identify, spot, and block similar messages in the future. You can also report it on your messaging app by looking for the option to report junk or spam.
Campaigns should also honor opt-out requests if you reply "STOP". If you think you've received a political robocall or text that does not comply with the FCC's rules, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints. You can also send a physical letter to the following address:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
45 L Street NE
Washington, DC 20554
For more information about robocalls and texts, visit fcc.gov/robocalls.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, political campaigns are allowed to send mail to promote their candidates and messages.
No, political campaigns can send mail to entire routes, cities, ZIP codes, neighborhoods, or individual mail routes.
While there is no specific information on opting out of physical mail, you can opt-out of receiving political text messages by replying "STOP".
You can report issues with your mail by using the online reporting form on the USPS website.
Political campaigns are not addressed in the same way as phone calls and text messages, which require prior consent. However, emails are considered electronic communications, and the FCC states that political campaigns are prohibited from sending electronic messages without prior consent.
