Political Campaigns: How They Get Your Cell Number

Political campaigns have been increasingly using text messaging as a mainstream communication tool to reach voters' personal devices. In the US, political parties and campaigns have access to voter registration records, which include phone numbers and other demographic details. These records are maintained by state and local governments and are considered public information. Campaigns can also obtain phone numbers by leveraging extensive databases and digital tools designed to gather and utilize voter contact information. Additionally, some campaigns employ data brokers who collect and sell consumer data, including voter information, to create detailed voter profiles. While campaigns must follow specific rules and regulations, such as obtaining prior consent for automated messages, the surge in political text messaging has raised concerns about privacy and compliance with industry standards.

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Political campaigns buy lists of phone numbers from parties

Political campaigns can be a nuisance, especially during election season when there is an influx of calls and texts. While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) exempts political campaigns from the National Do Not Call Registry, they are still required to adhere to specific rules outlined in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). These rules dictate that campaigns must obtain prior express consent from individuals before sending automated text messages or making automated or prerecorded voice calls to their mobile phones. However, this prior consent is not required for manual messages or calls made by a real person.

One way political campaigns obtain cell phone numbers is by purchasing lists from their respective parties. For instance, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) acquires tens of millions of cell phone numbers, aiming to possess a number for every registered voter in the United States. These lists are then provided to individual campaigns to facilitate their outreach efforts. The DNC's approach underscores the strategic importance of direct communication with voters via text messaging.

The acquisition of phone numbers by political parties and their subsequent use by campaigns have sparked concerns about privacy and consent. While individuals may not recall providing direct consent, cyber security expert Peter Tran highlights that end-user agreements in online ordering, marketing, or social media platforms often contain fine print granting consent for the use of personal information, including phone numbers. This indirect form of consent collection is a contributing factor to the influx of political text messages received by voters.

To address unwanted political text messages, individuals can take several proactive steps. Replying with "STOP" or a similar request is typically effective in opting out of further communication. Additionally, blocking the number and setting up text filters on your phone can help prevent future messages. If you suspect a text may be violating FCC rules or contains malware, it is advisable to report it by forwarding the message to 7726 or "SPAM." These measures empower individuals to regain control over their digital privacy and reduce unwanted political solicitations.

Voter registration records are a source of phone numbers

Voter registration records are a treasure trove of information for political campaigns, and they are a common source of phone numbers for campaign outreach. While the exact information available in these records varies by state, they typically include basic personal information such as name, address, political party affiliation, and polling place. In some cases, phone numbers may also be included.

Political campaigns recognize the value of voter registration records and often purchase them for strategic purposes. This practice is generally limited to non-commercial use, as dictated by state regulations. Campaigns may use these records to target specific demographics or geographic areas, fine-tune their messaging, and increase overall voter engagement.

The accessibility of voter registration records is a double-edged sword. While campaigns can leverage them for more effective outreach, it also raises concerns about privacy and potential harassment. To address this, some states have implemented confidentiality programs to protect the personal information of vulnerable individuals, such as domestic violence victims.

It's important to note that even if your phone number is not directly available from voter registration records, political campaigns have other methods for acquiring it. They may cross-reference voter records with other public or commercially available data sources to fill in any gaps. Additionally, they might purchase lists from data brokers or marketing firms, who aggregate and sell consumer information, including phone numbers.

If you're concerned about the privacy of your phone number, there are a few steps you can take. First, you can check your voter registration details online and review the information that is publicly accessible. You may also be able to opt-out of certain data-sharing practices or request to keep specific information confidential, depending on your state's regulations. Additionally, if you receive unwanted political calls or texts, you can report them by forwarding the messages to designated numbers or filing a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Data brokers sell consumer data, including phone numbers

Political campaigns rely on autodialed or prerecorded voice calls, autodialed texts, and manual messages to reach voters. While these communication methods are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry, they must comply with specific rules, including obtaining prior consent from the recipient.

Data brokers are companies that collect, buy, and sell consumer data, including phone numbers. They operate in the shadows with few rules, and their activities can enable scamming, stalking, and spying. Data brokers have access to a vast array of personal information, such as full names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, driver's license numbers, and credit card credentials. They also possess sensitive data like rental payment history, healthcare information, and employment details. This data is then sold to various entities, including political campaigns, without individuals' knowledge or consent.

Data brokers obtain phone numbers through various means, including purchasing them from third-party data handlers or apps that request permission to access users' contact lists. Once granted permission, these apps gain access to the user's entire contact list, including names and phone numbers. Additionally, data brokers may acquire phone numbers from cell phone providers or through correlations made using names, addresses, and social media profiles.

To address the privacy concerns surrounding the practices of data brokers, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed a rule to limit the sale of personal identifiers, such as phone numbers, by data brokers. The proposed rule aims to ensure that data brokers are classified as "'consumer reporting agencies' under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), requiring them to adhere to accuracy standards, provide consumers with access to their information, and implement safeguards against misuse.

Furthermore, the CFPB proposal emphasizes the need for explicit consumer consent for data sharing. This would significantly hinder data brokers' ability to sell sensitive contact information that could be exploited for stalking, harassment, or doxing.

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Campaigns use digital tools to gather voter contact information

Political campaigns use a variety of digital tools to gather voter contact information. This includes the use of campaign management software, which helps campaigns manage various aspects of their operations, such as fundraising, volunteer management, and engaging with voters. These software tools often include political CRM (campaign relationship management) systems that enable campaigns to track contacts and voters effectively. For example, NGP VAN's CRM system is a popular choice among Democratic and progressive campaigns for its ability to seamlessly connect with outreach tools and keep voter records updated.

Another way campaigns gather voter contact information is through digital marketing and advertising. They may use email marketing tools for less urgent, longer-form content, while employing SMS marketing for short, urgent messages. EZ Texting, for instance, is a platform that allows campaigns to send bulk texts, one-on-one messages, and manage contacts easily. Campaigns also utilize ad targeting companies to place ads on voters' devices, either through IP addresses or phone location data.

Additionally, campaigns collect voter information through their websites or apps. They may offer email or text contact list sign-up forms, allowing them to directly gather voter contact information. This information can then be enhanced by purchasing additional data from state or national committees, or by employing data brokers who collect information from various sources, including browser cookies, web beacons, mobile phones, and social media platforms.

To further supplement their data, campaigns also gather voter contact information through in-person events, such as door-knocking and rallies, where individuals may provide their details for future communication. All these digital tools and strategies enable political campaigns to effectively gather and utilize voter contact information to achieve their objectives.

Political campaigns require consent to send automated messages

Political campaigns are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements. However, they must adhere to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) rules. According to the TCPA, political campaigns require the prior express consent of the recipient to send automated messages to their mobile phones. This consent can be revoked by the recipient at any time, and in any reasonable manner—for instance, by replying "stop" to a text or requesting not to be called again.

Political campaigns can send manual messages without prior consent. However, they must include necessary disclosures in all communications, such as information about who is sending the message and how the recipient can opt out of future messages. Additionally, they must also comply with state-specific regulations regarding political text messaging. For example, California law requires that political messages sent by text must include an opt-out mechanism, while New York demands explicit written consent from recipients before sending them political texts.

To obtain consent, political campaigns can use online forms, campaign events, or other methods where voters can clearly opt in. They must also maintain detailed records of consent and communications, which can be helpful in case of legal scrutiny or complaints. By following these best practices and staying informed about legal developments, political campaigns can effectively use text messaging to engage and inform voters.

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