Political Text Responses: Do They Make A Difference?

With the 2024 election season in full swing, many people are feeling overwhelmed by the influx of political text messages flooding their inboxes. These messages can be a source of annoyance, especially when they are unsolicited. While it may seem like there is no escape from the endless stream of campaign promotions, fundraising requests, and updates, there are several strategies that can help reduce the clutter and regain control over your digital space. From simply replying STOP to more proactive measures like contacting campaign offices or utilizing third-party blocking apps, it is possible to set boundaries and minimize the intrusion of political texts.

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Replying STOP to political text messages

With the 2024 election season approaching, many people are feeling bombarded by political text messages. These can include campaign promotions, fundraising requests, or updates. Political organizations often use texting software that requires your prior consent or opt-in before sending you text messages. However, there are exceptions, and sometimes you may receive text messages from organizations you didn't directly opt into.

If you're tired of receiving political text messages, here are some methods to stop them:

• Reply "STOP": According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), legitimate text campaign operators should remove you from their contact list if you reply with the word "STOP." This is because, for calls and texts that require consent, the caller must honor the called party's request to revoke consent. While replying "STOP" may not immediately stop all political texts, it will help cut down on the number of texts you receive over time.
• Opt-out requests: If replying "STOP" doesn't work, you can try other opt-out keywords like "STOPALL," "ENDALL," or "CANCEL." These keywords are recognized by most texting software, and your number should be automatically removed from their list.
• Report as spam: If you didn't sign up to receive messages from a particular organization, you can report them as spam by forwarding the text to 7726. This reports the sender to your carrier, who will investigate whether the message came from a known spammer.
• Contact the campaign directly: If a specific campaign is repeatedly texting you, you can contact their office or support staff and ask to have your number removed from their contact list.
• Use third-party apps: Several third-party apps, such as RoboKiller, Hiya, Nomorobo, Should I Answer?, and Truecaller, specialize in blocking unwanted texts and robocalls. These apps can filter out spam and political messages, allowing you to create custom filters to block specific campaigns.
• Change phone settings: You can also change your phone settings to filter out all unknown senders. However, this may cause you to miss important text reminders from unknown numbers, such as doctor's appointments or restaurant reservations.

Remember that if you suspect the number sending you political texts is from a scammer, it's better to block and report the number. Replying to a scammer indicates that your number is active, potentially leading to more unwanted messages.

Blocking the number

If you're tired of receiving political text messages, you can block the number to prevent further communication. Here are some ways to do that:

On Android phones, open the Messages app and find the political text message you want to block. Tap and hold the message until a menu appears, then select the "Block" option. This might also be labelled as "Block number" or "Add to Spam" depending on your device. By blocking the number, you will prevent further messages from that specific sender.

Using Third-Party Apps

There are also call-and-text-blocking apps available, such as Should I Answer?, Hiya, and Truecaller. These apps can help you block unwanted messages, but keep in mind that they may ask for sensitive information.

Changing Phone Settings

Another option is to change your phone settings to filter out all unknown senders. However, this approach may cause you to miss important text reminders for appointments or reservations.

Reporting Spam

If you suspect the number is from a scammer, it is recommended to block and report the number. You can forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your carrier, who will investigate whether it is from a known spammer. Additionally, you can file a complaint online with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

While blocking the number can be effective, it's important to note that political organizations may use multiple numbers, so blocking one number may not completely stop all political texts. Additionally, as noted by the FCC, replying with "STOP" or similar keywords is often an effective way to opt out of legitimate text campaigns.

Using third-party apps to block spam

Replying "STOP" to political text messages is one way to reduce the number of such messages you receive. However, it may not always be effective, and you may still receive messages from campaigns. This is because, in the US, political messaging is federally protected. Additionally, political organizations are required to obtain prior express consent only for autodialed or prerecorded messages sent to mobile phones, not for manually sent messages.

To more effectively block political text message spam, you can use third-party apps that offer better filtering options. Here are some suggestions for both iOS and Android devices:

IOS

• Bouncer: This app allows you to block messages by keyword or phone number, including partial matches. You can filter messages into a Junk folder or a custom folder.
• WideProtect SMS Blocker: This app lets you create filters based on phone numbers or text content to either block or allow SMS. The messages are filtered into a junk folder, and you don't receive notifications for them.

Android

• RCS Messaging: The built-in RCS Messaging on Android devices can block most political spam. If a message isn't blocked, you can move it to the spam folder, and the app will learn from that.
• TM Check: Spam Call Blocker and Text Filter & Lookup: This app works as a text spam filter and can be configured in a minute. However, it only works for SMS, not iMessage.
• DontText: This app allows you to block messages using keywords for SMS. However, like TM Check, it doesn't work for iMessage.

Additionally, you can use call-and-text-blocking apps like Should I Answer?, Hiya, and Truecaller. Keep in mind that these apps may ask for sensitive information.

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Reporting spam

If you are tired of receiving spam political text messages, you are not alone. Political text messages sent to mobile phones require your prior express consent. However, manually sent messages can be sent without prior consent.

• Replies that include the word "stop" will be recorded, and you will be filtered out of the list for future outreach. Replies can be kept for up to 16 years to tailor the list to the desired demographic.
• If you are receiving texts that you didn't ask for, report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 or "SPAM". This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future.
• If you think you have 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.
• Call blocking is a tool used by phone companies to stop illegal and unwanted calls from reaching your phone.
• Google Pixel phones have a "Call Screen" call-screening and blocking feature. Google Voice users can also block unwanted spam calls.
• Samsung offers a call-blocking solution called Smart Call to report and block unwanted calls.
• Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY).

Changing phone settings to filter unknown senders

Replying "STOP" to political text messages can be effective in reducing the number of such messages you receive. When you reply with "STOP", your response is recorded, and the organization sending the messages can filter you out of their contact list for future outreach campaigns. However, it may not always be a permanent solution, as there are various ways your phone number can end up on these lists in the first place. You may have unknowingly provided your number to a political organization by giving money, signing up for something, making a merchandise purchase, or filling out an online poll. Additionally, there are list-swapping practices among companies and fundraising organizations, and your data can be collected and shared through various channels.

To more effectively manage unwanted messages from unknown senders, including political texts, you can change the settings on your phone to filter or block them. Here are some steps you can take:

For Android Devices:

• Block Unknown Senders: You can block text messages from unknown senders or contacts that are not saved in your contacts list. The process may vary depending on your device model and messaging app, but you can usually find the option to block unknown senders in the settings menu of your messaging app or your phone's settings.
• Use Spam Filters: Some Android phones offer built-in spam protection or the option to download a spam protection app. These filters can automatically detect and block spam messages, including those from unknown senders.
• Utilize Carrier Services: Your mobile carrier may provide services or apps to help filter or block spam messages. Contact your carrier to explore the options available to you.

For iPhone Users:

• Use Message Filtering: iPhones offer a "Filter Unknown Senders" feature in the Messages settings. When enabled, messages from unknown senders will be filtered into a separate list, and you won't receive notifications for them.
• Block Specific Senders: You can also block specific phone numbers from sending you text messages. Go to the details of the message thread and tap "Block this Caller."

By adjusting these settings, you can better manage unwanted text messages from unknown senders, including political organizations. Remember to explore the settings specific to your device and messaging app for additional customization options.

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